Zednik could be discharged soon

Feb 13, 2008 - 7:57 PM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- Florida Panthers left wing Richard Zednik could be discharged from Buffalo General Hospital by the weekend.

The 32-year-old Zednik continues to improve and should be discharged over the next 48 to 72 hours, according to an update Wednesday by Dr. Sonya Noor - the player's attending surgeon.

Zednik, who underwent emergency surgery at the hospital after getting cut in the neck by the skate blade of teammate Olli Jokinen during Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, was moved out of the intensive care unit on Tuesday.

Zednik, who had his carotid artery nearly severed in the accident, was moved to a private room at the hospital Tuesday night after his condition was upgraded from stable to good.

Zednik's wife, Jessica, issued a statement Wednesday, thanking fans and the two organizations for their prayers and well wishes.

"I especially want to thank the medical staff involved in his care and the Buffalo General Hospital for their tremendous support during this difficult time," she said. "Richard continues to improve and we are encouraged each day."

Doctors are optimistic that Zednik will make a full recovery and possibly resume his career as early as next season.

Noor said Monday that because Zednik received a "clean" cut, there were minimal complications during the surgery. She estimated that he would be able to resume normal activity in six to eight weeks.

The play brought back uncomfortable memories of when then-Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk had his jugular sliced in a 1989 game against the St. Louis Blues.

Zednik has 15 goals, 11 assists and 43 penalty minutes in 54 games this season.

Zednik has collected 183 goals and 346 points in 675 career games with Washington, Montreal, the New York Islanders and Panthers. He also represented his native Slovakia in the 2006 Winter Olympics, scoring one goal in six contests.