Sens' Prospect Wiercioch (Throat) Expected To Make Full Recovery: Patrick Wiercioch (throat), who remains in hospital after being struck in the throat by a shot on Friday, is expected to make a full recovery, reports the Vancouver Sun. (Updated 12/13/2011)
Injury Report
Neck - (Updated - 12/10/11)
Fantasy Analysis
"He's stable," Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray said Monday. "He's comfortable now. He's in Syracuse being looked after by one of the best doctors in the business, and we hope in the next few days we'll have a big upgrade on his part." Thnakfully, the young defender is expected to make a full recovery but it will be a while before he's back on the ice. (Updated 12/13/2011).
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Wiercioch's first professional season was quite the learning experience for the tall, lanky defenseman. Playing in 67 games for Ottawa's AHL affiliate in Binghamton, his shortcomings on the physical side of the game were often apparent and he was a healthy scratch on several occassions. That being said, the 6'4", 190 pound blueliner possesses above-average offensive instincts to go along with a strong, fluid skating technique, allowing him to carry the puck up the ice and into the offensive zone with relative ease. He saw eight games of action in 2010-11 with Ottawa and didn't look out of place, adding two assists and playing sound positional defense. With a game that's more suited to the NHL level with its focus on structure and detail, Wiercioch will still need to develop a more physical side to his game in the AHL for 2011-12. He's committed to adding more muscle to his 190 pound frame this off-season and could surprise some people when training camp rolls around in September. Wiercioch is still a work-in-progress, but could crack Ottawa's lineup in 2012-13 as an all-around defenseman. (Updated 8/16/11)
