Among the tests Johnston was expected to perform was a neurological exam that compares Roenick's reflexes and responses to stimuli now against similar tests performed last fall when he was healthy. All NHL players undergo such tests before each season.
Johnston is expected to offer a diagnosis on Roenick's persistent headaches, which he says he has been suffering since May 15 when he suffered a concussion during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay.
"I don't think I will know anything by the time I go home," Roenick said. "I don't know what she is going to say. I'll do whatever she tells me to do."
Roenick, who said he had another bad headache yesterday, expects that Johnston will advise him to take considerable time off, or worse, tell him to retire.
Johnston was also expected to evaluate X-rays, MRI exams and reports dating as far back as Feb. 14, when Roenick's left jaw was fractured by a shot from the Rangers' Boris Mironov in New York. The Flyers have never contested that concussion.
However, Roenick, who returned to the ice in March, also says he suffered a concussion during a spring practice when struck with a puck from a Mark Recchi shot. He said he suffered another one in the playoffs. That would total three concussions last season and 10 since he entered the NHL in 1988-89.
The Flyers never officially diagnosed the last two concussions, and say he passed their exit physical.
If Roenick is found to be suffering from post-concussion symptoms dating to last season, he is entitled to his $7.5 million salary this season, even during a lockout, under the recently expired collective bargaining agreement.
Roenick is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a polyp on his vocal cords. The polyp has noticeably altered Roenick's voice in recent weeks.
"I don't think there will be a lot of substance out of this weekend," Roenick said, meaning he expects Johnston's recommendations later, not sooner.
Contact staff writer Tim Panaccio at 215-854-2847 or tpanaccio@phillynews.com.
