Wings prospect Turgeon ‘feeling better’ after surgeries

Dominic Turgeon is recovering from surgery and expects to be ready for training camp with the Red Wings in September.

Turgeon, one of the organization’s top prospects, had a blood clot in his right arm and has been undergoing treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome.

Turgeon will miss the remainder of the AHL playoffs with the Grand Rapids Griffins — he was diagnosed before a game on April 4 in San Antonio — but expects a full recovery.

“When I first heard I didn’t know much about blood clots, but they can be life-threatening,” Turgeon told reporters Tuesday at Van Andel Arena in an interview that was posted on the team’s website. “I had no idea, I didn’t know what it was until it happened.

“I’m thankful we found it when we did and thankful for the doctors and nurses, for sure.”

Turgeon, 22, had a procedure to alleviate the clot in Texas, then another procedure in Tampa — including removing part of his right rib — with Dr. Karl Illig, the same doctor who treated Tampa star Steven Stamkos for a similar issue.

Turgeon said the condition is rare for hockey players, but is fairly common with pitchers in baseball.

Not being in the Griffins’ lineup, and getting an opportunity to defend the Calder Cup championship, is difficult.

“You work all summer, you work all year to be in the playoffs and you want to be part of it,” Turgeon said. “But when it comes down to this, it’s a life-threatening thing. I’m glad it went well.”

Turgeon said he’s “feeling a lot better” and the bruising it going away, although he will be on blood thinners the “next few months.”

The support from Griffins’ teammates has been helpful.

“We’re a real close family in here,” Turgeon said.

Turgeon made his NHL debut with the Red Wings this season on Jan. 14 in Chicago, and played five games total.

Turgeon played in 69 games with Grand Rapids, with 14 goals and 18 assists.

The Griffins play Game 3 of their best-of-five first-round series against Manitoba Wednesday in Grand Rapids, with the series tied 1-1. Game 4 is Thursday at home.

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