Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry returned to practice Thursday after missing four games due to a case of the mumps virus.
“Swollen jaw, pressure in my head, body aches, fever – those things weren’t fun,” Perry told the L.A. Times. “I had no energy to do nothing, slept most of the time.”
Perry was sidelined for eight days. Defenseman Francois Beauchemin remains out with the virus.
Prior to falling ill, Perry led the league with 11 goals through 13 games.
“It’s going to take some time,” Perry said. “The body’s a little weak; to go through a virus … hopefully we can do all the right steps. Not ruling out this weekend, but you never know.”
The Ducks (11-3-3) went 1-0-3 in Perry’s absence, but managed a 6-5 come from behind victory over the L.A. Kings Wednesday.
Anaheim visits L.A. on Saturday, but will do so without Perry. The 29-year-old could miss upto another week as he regains his conditioning according to coach Bruce Boudreau.
“I don’t want him to come back too soon and hurt himself,” Boudreau said.
Perry admitted Thursday’s practice was tough.
“It’s going to take some time,” he said. “It’s mostly the lungs … being weak is the most noticeable thing.”