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It looks like Derick Brassard’s originally scheduled doctor’s appointment will be bumped up, and that means his 2017-18 season debut could be, too.

Earlier this week, the Ottawa Senators centre said he was to see the surgeon who fixed his shoulder on Oct. 5, exactly four months after the operation and the same day as the 2017-18 National Hockey League team’s season opener.

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If cleared for physical contact at that point, Brassard guessed he’d miss the first week of the season, which would be the first three games.

On Friday, however, coach Guy Boucher said Brassard could get checked out even before Oct. 5 and his return to action was closer than anticipated.

“It’s gone so well that things have been accelerated,” Boucher said of Brassard’s rehab. “It will depend on the surgeon. If he feels it’s completely ready to go, then we’re going. But we’re not going to fool around with that.

Brassard would need some practice time once given the green light, so he can get used to the physical contact that has been avoided this far.

“But we’re not talking about two weeks,” Boucher said. “He’s physical (in practice now); the other guys are not physical on him. He’s been like that for a long time. That’s why it’s gone so good.

“Therapists have done an unbelievable job with him, and he’s worked really, really hard. If it’s not (ready for Oct. 5), we’ll wait. But it’s going very well for him.

“I’m not saying he’s playing in the first game, but right now there’s a big chance we’re closer than we thought.”