Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen out for period of time

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen will not play for a period of time due to blood clots in his lower right leg and in both lungs, the team announced Thursday afternoon.

"Kimmo will not play for a period of time here, meaning months," Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall said in a press conference.

Timonen, who has spent the last seven seasons with the Flyers, is hoping to play again, but his return is not definite.

"My desire is I want to play. But the chance of me playing is really slim. That's a fact. But I'm ready and waiting to see how I feel and if I still have those clots," Timonen said. "In the end, time will tell."

The 39-year-old Timonen signed a one-year contract this summer for $2 million. He has been Philadelphia's top defenseman for several years.

Prior to joining the Flyers, Timonen played eight seasons with Nashville.

He has 571 career points on 117 goals and 454 assists. Timonen is plus-38 for his career.

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ESPN.com contributed to this article.