Zednik thanks doctors, fans

Feb 15, 2008 - 9:51 PM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) - Florida Panthers left wing Richard Zednik on Friday thanked the doctors who have treated him this week as he nears a return home.

Earlier this week, Zednik underwent emergency surgery at Buffalo General 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.

Now, only days after the life-threatening injury, he is set to be released from hospital so he can return home to Florida to continue his recovery.

"I want to thank everyone for their tremendous support this week," Zednik said in a statement. "All of the fans, my teammates, the Panthers and Sabres organizations and the people of Buffalo have been great.

"I especially want to thank the nursing and medical staff at Buffalo General Hospital they have been by my side every step of the way. Jessica and I thank everyone for respecting our privacy and we both look forward to returning to Florida soon."

Sonya Noor, M.D., released a statement Thursday saying that Zednik continues to improve and "should be discharged sometime over the next 48 hours."

Zednik was moved out of the intensive care unit to a private room on Tuesday.

Zednik had his carotid artery nearly severed in the accident, but 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.