Calgary Flames D Juuso Valimaki skating on his own

Calgary Flames defenceman Juuso Valimaki has started to skate on his own, team GM Brad Treliving told reporters Friday.

The prospect suffered a torn ACL in mid-August and has been out of the lineup since. General recovery is roughly six-to-nine months meaning he should be back, in theory, anytime between February and May.

News that the Finn is back skating is great news for the organization. Valimaki has been considered a top defensive prospect for the club.

Last year, Valimaki split time with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Flames. In the AHL, the rearguard scored four goals and another 10 assists in 20 games, and in the NHL he notched one goal and two assists in 24 games.

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