Detroit – It appears Teemu Pulkkinen is a quick healer.
After having shoulder surgery in June, there was doubt Pulkkinen would be ready Friday for the start of training camp.
But Pulkkinen said Tuesday he’ll be cleared for contact in time for the first workout at Center Ice Arena in Traverse City.
“On schedule,” said Pulkkinen, who has skated with teammates in the conditioning skates the past few days. “They said four to six months but I feel pretty good right now. I’m hoping to play one or two exhibition games.”
Persistent pain, which peaked at the world championships in May, forced Pulkkinen to have surgery in June (he had surgery on the same shoulder in 2010).