Lindros Cleared to Play

Lindros` lawyer, Gord Kirke, said the 27-year-old restricted free agent was given the OK Monday by Chicago-based neurologist Dr. James Kelly.

"He`s ready to practice full out _ if he has a team," Kirke told The Canadian Press. "But he`s ready to go.

"He couldn`t step into a game at this point, although medically he`s cleared to go into a game. But he`s certainly at the stage where he can get himself game-ready by practicing with a team."

Lindros has been working out with the York University hockey team in Toronto. Kirke said he could be ready in a matter of weeks.

There are still hurdles to clear before Lindros returns to the NHL.

The 6-foot-4, 235-pound forward has made it clear he will not play for Philadelphia again and Flyers GM Bob Clarke has said he wants full value in return for the All-Star from any team that wants to sign him.

"My only hope would be that Bob Clarke would approach it in a businesslike way, acting in the best interests of his hockey club but not out of spite or vindictiveness," Kirke said.

In recent weeks, the war of words between the two camps has escalated.

Lindros has not played since suffering a concussion _ his sixth in 27 months _ when checked by New Jersey defenseman Scott Stevens while playing for Philadelphia in the playoffs last May. He was appearing in only his second game after a 10-week absence due to post-concussion syndrome.

In July, Lindros rejected Philadelphia`s $8.5-million qualifying offer. That means he has the right to sign with another team but the Flyers have matching rights.

Lindros also can return to the Flyers or be traded. "Several teams have expressed interest but it`s all been on the basis of courtesy calls to see how he is," Kirke said. "The true measure or test will be now that he gets (medical) clearance."

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers are believed to be among the teams interested.

The medical clearance appears to close one option for the Lindros camp _ an insurance policy reportedly worth $20 million in the event that he was unable to play again because of concussion-related problems.

Lindros had 28 goals and 32 assists in 57 games last season. He has made six All-Star teams and won the NHL`s MVP award in 1995, but the Flyers lost that year in their only Stanley Cup final with him.

Lindros came to Philadelphia in 1992 following a trade with Quebec that included six players, two first-round draft choices and $15 million.

(Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: AP