Gretzky Is Back on the Ice Skating, Says He Is Experiencing No Pain

PHOENIX —  The Kings’ Wayne Gretzky, sidelined because of a herniated thoracic disk, has skated for the first time since he was sidelined during training camp in September.

For about 40 minutes Monday, Gretzky did some free skating, participated in drills and took shots under the supervision of team physician Dr. Ronald Kvitne and back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins at the Culver City Ice Arena. The information was released Tuesday just before the Kings’ game against Montreal.

“He skated hard and we’re optimistic,” said Kvitne, who said Gretzky might skate again this week. “Right now, he’s reached the first milestone. He has no pain and he’s skating with no pain. . . . Everything is very favorable. He was very excited when he came off the ice.”

Kvitne said tests have shown that Gretzky’s herniated disk fragment has “shrunk somewhat.”

Kvitne repeated that there is no timetable for Gretzky’s return to the lineup. But Gretzky is even ahead of his own pace he set last month when he said he might start skating in late January or early February.