Until the Maple Leafs medical staff re-ignites it, Mike Komisarek's Olympic dream is starting to flicker.
"Without a doubt, if I don't play soon the Olympics are going to be out of the question," Komisarek said following Monday's practice at the MasterCard Centre. "I'm making strides every day and trying to get back in the lineup but until the doctors give me the final word ..."
As thrilled as the American-born defenceman was to be headed to Vancouver, Komisarek is clearly worried now. A day after being named to the U.S. squad by Leafs and Team USA general manager Brian Burke on Jan. 1, the Long Island, N.Y., native suffered a shoulder injury against the Calgary Flames.
Rehab and recovery has been slower than expected, leaving Komisarek in limbo both for the Leafs and the U.S. team.
"He's going to get further testing on Wednesday and we will see how he's progressing," Leafs coach Ron Wilson said.
The first-year Leaf has been practising regularly with the team over the past couple of weeks, but hasn't been medically cleared for game contact.
"I'm making strides every day and I'm definitely trying to argue my case," Komisarek said. "I'm trying to make my point by being good in practice and being and staying sharp."
In other medical news, Mikhail Grabovski, who suffered a fractured wrist in the same game Komisarek was hurt, was to have his cast removed on Monday. Wilson said the winger will be given an MRI this week to determine the next course of action.
ROB.LONGLEY@SUNMEDIA.CA
