PITTSBURGH (AP) -New Jersey Devils defenseman Colin White played for the first time this season Wednesday night, taking regular shifts in Pittsburgh nine weeks after a deflected shot during practice damaged his right eye.
White still has blurred vision, but has talked recently of wanting to test his eyesight during game action. He resumed practicing two weeks ago but, until Tuesday, had skated only with the Devils’ extra players and not with the regulars.
After being hurt Sept. 15, White stayed off skates for a month.
White, expected be one of the Devils’ top two defensemen, can play up to 20 games before deciding whether his vision is good enough to continue his career. He can stop playing before then, retire and qualify for NHL permanent disability benefits.
White, who turns 30 next month, has 15 goals and 64 assists in 465 career NHL games. He is making $3 million this season.
New York Islanders defenseman Bryan Berard resumed his career despite nearly losing his right eye when struck by Marian Hossa’s stick in a 2000 game, when Berard played for Toronto. Berard sat out one season but returned with the Rangers in the 2001-02 season.
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