Calgary Flames defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, recovering from offseason hip surgery, looks to be fully healed in time for next month's World Cup.
"Everything looks good," Flames general manger Brad Treliving told the team's official site. "He’s been training. He’s been skating. I think there are a couple final checks to do, but everything is looking positive."
Jokipakka was named to his native Finland's World Cup roster earlier this year. The 25-year-old has represented Finland twice in the past, at the 2011 World Junior Championship, and the 2015 World Championship.
"It’s a great opportunity for him,” Treliving added. "He’s just starting to cut his teeth in the league. It’ll be a great opportunity and a great experience for him."
Three other Flames will participate in the tournament, including forwards Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau with Team North America, plus winger Michal Frolik with the Czech Republic.
Jokipakka joined the Flames at last year's trade deadline, following a trade from the Dallas Stars. He tallied two goals and 10 assists in 68 games last season.
