PHILADELPHIA — It appears that Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen is going to return from his career-threatening illness, after all.

Almost six months after blood clots were discovered in Timonen's lungs and right calf, the four-time All-Star is preparing for a late-season comeback to the Flyers for what will be his final NHL season at age 39.

There's been no official announcement yet, but Flyers coach Craig Berube let the cat out of the bag during his pre-game interview Thursday.

"I'm excited for him to be healthy and also excited for him to be coming back," Berube said before a Flyers-Winnipeg Jets game at Wells Fargo Center. "He's been a real good player and want to play again. He's been a good player for this hockey team and this organization for a while."

It's expected that Timonen will make public his intentions within days, which would mean he's been medically cleared to play.

"He wants to play, which is great," Berube said. "Kimmo's a real good player. Always been."

Flyers GM Ron Hextall said on Jan. 17 that Timonen's blood clots in his lungs were gone, but that he still had them in his calf. At the time, Hextall said that he believed Timonen might be able to play with the blood clots in his calf.

The first step for Timonen would be skating, then returning to practice. He was fitted for skates earlier this week, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.

So how long before Timonen could be skating?

"I don't know," Berube said. "I have no idea. ... Depends on the person. He's a pretty smart individual. I think that he's kept himself in really good shape. Obviously, he has to get on the ice and put some work in. But Kimmo plays a lot of the game with his brain."

The Flyers would have to clear a little cap space to make room for Timonen, who is a $2 million cap hit, but his return would be like adding a key player before the March 2 trade deadline.

"Well, it'll definitely be a big boost," Berube said.

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook.