TROY, Mich. -- The NHL and the Red Wings may be ready to play soon, but Patrick Eaves will likely not be ready.
Eaves, 28, has not played in a game since taking a slap shot to the side of the head on Nov. 26, 2011. Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi's shot broke Eaves' jaw but also gave him a severe concussion.
Eaves' jaw has long since healed but he still is not free of concussion symptoms.
"My dad had concussion problems when he played," Eaves said Monday at the Troy Sports Center. "I've talked to him a little bit. He had to retire due to concussions, but I'm not at that point by any means. He's just been a good sound board for me."
Originally, Eaves believed he would be ready for training camp, even if it had taken place in September.
But it's now been more than a year since the injury and Eaves has not been cleared.
"I gave up on the timetable a while ago," Eaves said. "When I come back I want to be done with everything, make sure I'm good to go."
Although he has not spoken to former teammate Andreas Lilja, who missed more than a year because of a concussion, Eaves is encouraged by the fact that Lilja eventually did make it back to playing again.
"Yeah, he took his time and did it right and seems to be fine," Eaves said.
Eaves has been skating with several of his teammates at the Troy Sports Center during the lockout and still hopes he'll be able to join them at some point this shortened season at Joe Louis Arena for some games.
