Detroit Red Wings forward Danny Cleary had successful surgery on his left knee a month ago and is on track to return to the team by training camp. Cleary spoke to the media for the first time since the surgery and said he feels great [via MLIVE]:

"My ability to be able to function as a normal type of guy – walking, (other) stuff – feels great," Cleary said at Nicklas Lidstrom's retirement ceremony last week. "It's a huge difference. To be able to walk normal ... to be able to get out of your car and walk normal. Since November, it's been (hard). [...]

"Knee feels great," he said. "I'm working out now. I'm going to modify my training to do it as best I can without doing anything stupid. I've still got June, July, August to get ready for the season. Skate in July, skate in August and as each week and month goes, do a little more.

"If camp was in July, I'd be ready. I feel great, ready to go. I've got a lot of time to make sure I do it the right way."

Cleary needed to have the knee drained at least four times over the final two months of the season, drastically cutting back on his ability to produce for the team after having 32 points before Christmas.

More on Danny Cleary and the Detroit Red Wings can be found over at Winging It In Motown. More news and analysis on the NHL in general can be found over at SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.