No Timetable for Leclerc’s Return

Duck right wing Mike Leclerc has begun rehabilitation on his left knee but is not sure when he can return to the lineup.

Leclerc underwent surgery Tuesday to remove torn cartilage in the side of his left knee. But doctors also discovered damaged cartilage under his kneecap, which was causing pain.

Doctors originally thought he would be out two to four weeks, Leclerc said, but the damage under the kneecap has them concerned.

He does not know how he injured the knee, but it had become inflamed after games since the start of the season. He was able to play until the Nov. 15 game at Detroit.

“There had been no pain before,” Leclerc said. “But I was pretty much worthless against Detroit.”

Leclerc began strength training this week but was not sure when he would be able to go back on the ice even just to skate. Leclerc, whose size (6-2, 215) and skill have made one of the Ducks’ top players this season, has two goals and 11 points.

“It’s frustrating, because the team is winning and we’re having a lot of fun,” Leclerc said. “But I have been through things like this before. This is some adversity. I’ll get back and be fresh when the guys and the rest of the NHL are a little tired.”

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Right wing Dan Bylsma returned to the Duck lineup after being a healthy scratch four of the last seven games. He replaced Mike Brown.

-- Chris Foster