McSween Returns, Therapy Continues

Don McSween’s long and unlikely return from a gruesome wrist injury took another tentative step forward Tuesday.

Back in Anaheim after spending two weeks with the Mighty Ducks’ minor league affiliate at Baltimore, McSween met with General Manager Jack Ferreira and it was decided the defenseman will be placed on the injured reserve list.

McSween, whose wrist was accidentally slashed by a skate blade Jan. 21, 1995, will continue physical therapy while practicing with the Ducks.

Recovery from surgery to repair nine tendons and two nerves seemed remote at first, but McSween learned from his stint in Baltimore that his career is not finished.

“I went down there with the idea that this might be it,” McSween said. “I might have found out I can’t do it. It’s not the same. [But] I think I am going to be a player who can contribute. I went down there with a lot of questions, but with each shift I realized it’s not over. I can still play.

“Obviously, when you play with confidence you play a lot better. Let’s hope [Duck management] has the same confidence as I have in myself.”

Ferreira watched McSween play at Baltimore and was encouraged.

“There were a couple of instances where he got stripped of the puck because he’s not strong enough yet,” Ferreira said. “Now, if he gets stronger . . . It just goes to show how good our doctors are. It was one of the worst injuries I’ve ever seen.”

*

Continuing their search for help on the power play, the Ducks plucked defenseman Fredrik Olausson off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. He was scheduled to join the Ducks for this morning’s skate and could play tonight against Calgary.

Olausson, a 20-goal scorer for the Winnipeg Jets in 1991-92, played only 20 games for the Oilers this season, recording six assists.

“He hasn’t done that well the last year and a half,” Duck Coach Ron Wilson said. “I’m sure he’ll look at this as a new chance. We’ll try to build some confidence in him.”

He has been battling colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine, and that might have contributed to his decline.

“That’s probably one issue with Glen [Sather, Edmonton general manager], but I don’t want to comment on why [the Oilers put him on waivers],” Olausson told the Edmonton Sun. “I’m grateful for my time here. I had a couple of my best years in Edmonton.”

Of the Ducks, he said, “They’ve got some talent. I don’t know their team in detail because I haven’t played [many games] against them. It’s a new challenge. Life goes on.”

To make room for Olausson, 29, the Ducks sent winger Steven King to Baltimore. King had two goals in seven games for the Ducks.