The Kraken have sent captain Jordan Eberle to the Coachella Valley Firebirds on a conditioning loan, marking a key step in his recovery from surgery. Eberle’s last game was on November 14 against the Chicago Blackhawks, where he sustained a pelvis injury after crashing into the boards. He underwent surgery a week later and was expected to be out for about three months. After recently returning to Kraken practice, he’s expected to make his return after the 4 Nations Face-Off break. “Ebs’ recovery is remarkable,” Kraken coach Dan Bylsma noted in January. “He’s recovering from an injury with no real precedent in sports, and he’s progressing incredibly well.” Coachella Valley, Seattle’s AHL affiliate, dug through the archives to find a photo of the 15-year NHL veteran, whose last AHL game was in the 2012-13 season with the now-defunct Oklahoma City Barons. Eberle, 34, will reunite with familiar faces, including goaltender Philipp Grubauer (who was sent to the Firebirds on January 29) and forward Daniel Sprong (who’s been with the team for over a month). Eberle wasn’t part of the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Henderson Silver Knights, with Nikke Kokko taking the starting role in net. Eberle can stay in the minors for up to six days or three games, with the possibility for an extension. The Firebirds have three games before the Kraken’s next game on February 22 against the Florida Panthers.
“Kraken’s Jordan Eberle Defies the Odds: Captain Takes Bold Leap in Injury Comeback!”
