Kimmo Timonen Illness: Updates on Flyers Star's Status and Recovery

Updates from Tuesday, Aug. 5

Sam Karchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer provides an update on Kimmo Timonen's illness:

David Strehle of the fourth period, Bill Meltzer of HockeyBuzz and Tim Panaccio of Comcast SportsNet provide comments from Flyers GM Ron Hextall, who spoke about Timonen's illness:

Original Text:

The Philadelphia Flyers received alarming news on Tuesday afternoon, as it was learned that defenseman Kimmo Timonen is being treated in Finland to treat several blood clots.

According to Flyers general manager Ron Hextall, via the team's official site, "Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen has been diagnosed with blood clots in his lower right leg and in both lungs. Kimmo is currently being treated for this disorder back in his home country of Finland. His return to play is yet to be determined."   

This isn't the first time that this issue has surfaced for Timonen, per Bob Herpen of TSN:

Timonen also had a similar situation occur earlier in his career with the Nashville Predators, so unfortunately this has become a trend for the 39-year-old veteran. Now, the clots have surfaced in his lungs. 

David Strehle of The Fourth Period shared a sentiment many were likely feeling after hearing the news:

Timonen is indeed a key member of the Flyers, and replacing him will be nearly impossible. He appeared in 77 games for the team last season, finishing with 35 points while being plus-five on the year and averaging just over 20 minutes of ice time per game. 

Not only that, but replacing his veteran leadership in the locker room won't be easy for a club with many young players.

How this impacts Timonen's NHL career moving forward remains to be seen, but for now the primary concern will be that he makes a full and swift recovery.