TROY – Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Eaves still experiences headaches from time to time, but he's grateful that they're fewer and further apart.

He also is happy to be back on the ice with his teammates, even though he isn't skating at full speed.

Eaves was among 10 Red Wings taking part in an informal practice Tuesday at Troy Sports Center.

They are preparing for a training camp they hope will not be canceled due to the NHL's labor strife. Eaves hopes to be ready for camp, scheduled to start Sept. 21 in Traverse City, but he said only time will tell.

The 28-year-old right wing suffered a broken jaw on Nov. 26 when he was struck by a rising shot from Nashville's Roman Josi. The jaw required surgery but healed fine in a matter of months. Eaves, however, continued experiencing post-concussion symptoms, which prevented his return.

“I’m doing better, better than I was (at the end of the season),'' Eaves said. “I still have some good days and some weird days. I’m out here skating, so that’s a good thing.''

Eaves began skating lightly and doing off-ice workouts toward the end of last season.

“Last year was not a good year for me,'' Eaves said. “It's way better than before.''

Asked to describe his experience for those who haven't gone through it, Eaves said,

“You really can’t. There are no words. It’s just not fun.''

Eaves has two years remaining on his contract and never entertained thoughts that his career might be over.

“I still need to go through the steps and the process to get back into things,'' Eaves said. “This (skating with teammates) is a great step for me.''

He skated for four days last week in Madison with some pros, in practices run by his father, Mike, the head coach at Wisconsin.

“That was the first time I went against skill level at this pace, speed and skills,'' Eaves said. “It went pretty good. I just have to keep taking steps towards that.''

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