Great news. If all continues to stay on track, Pierre-Marc Bouchard won't be behind me in the press box this season critiquing my typing skills.
I talked to the upbeat Wild playmaker this afternoon and Bouchard continues to progress. He's been skating at least twice a week for three weeks now, and today was taking part in yet another skate with some of the Montreal NHLers. Typically, he'll do the full 30-45 minutes of drills and at least 15 minutes of the scrimmage. He wears a heart monitor to make certain he doesn't go above 150-160 beats per minute.
So while he's definitely pushing himself, he's trying to pace himself, too. He's yet to experience contact and that'll probably wait until training camp.
Bouchard said he's still a little rusty, but he's pleased with how quickly he's rediscovered his skill level.
Now, Bouchard does say he still experiences periodic symptoms, specifically some fatigue and pressure in the head. But he'll sit down with the Wild once he gets to town around Labor Day to discuss a direction going forward. He said it might be something he has to just deal with, and he said the first real test will be when he's hit.
He said his goal is to be on the ice by the time training camp begins. The first on-ice session is Sept. 18 -- or three weeks from Saturday.
I also talked to coach Todd Richards today, who's very excited about the potential return of Bouchard. Remember, Bouchard, who averaged 56 points a season the four years prior to last year, so Richards calls it like a July 1 free-agent addition.
