Getzlaf, Christensen Update

Ducks fans were finally updated with news about the injured Erik Christensen last night. Coach Randy Carlyle admitted that Christensen is not healing as quickly as was expected by the Ducks’ medical staff, and it’s unlikely he will play in any exhibition games.

Christensen had shoulder surgery on a torn labrum in June after playing with the injury for much of the season. The inury was a result of a big hit by 6-foot-9, 255-pound Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins during a game in February of 2008. He had tried to rehabilitate the injury several times but elected for surgery this offseason. Christensen was taking part in non-contact drills earlier in training camp but it is unclear whether he will continue to participate.

Ryan Getzlaf, on the other hand, continues to make progress after undergoing sports hernia surgery in July. Getzlaf has been skating with the team daily, but has not yet participated in any scrimmages after practice. There is still no timetable on when he might participate in an exhibition game but he should be ready for the start of the regular season.