Will Kimmo Timonen play enough to be seen by scouts?

> Defenseman Kimmo Timonen skated again by himself on Thursday in South Jersey. The next step is for Timonen to participate in the Flyers' morning skate on Tuesday, which is the team's next practice at home.

As for when he will be ready to return for a game, Hextall did not seem optimistic about a Feb. 21 possibility:

"I personally think it's too early, but it's going to be we'll see how Kimmo feels," Hextall said. "I guess for me, from where I'm looking right now, I would probably suggest that's not good for Kimmo or for us, at least at this point. I'd question whether he's had enough practice by then to get back into a game given the length of his layoff. So I don't believe it will be that early."

Even returning on Feb. 21 would give Timonen just five games in front of opposing scouts to measure whether he will be able to help a playoff team. Hextall said the March 2 trade deadline adds no pressure to his timetable.

"We're not going to put Kimmo at risk or move his time schedule up so teams can see him," Hextall said ."This is about what's best for Kimmo. We're not going to rush him for reasons that aren't prudent."

> Hextall confirmed goaltender Steve Mason underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday. He will be out for 2-3 weeks. However, Hextall said Mason's right knee injury this time around has absolutely no relation to the one he suffered in the same knee last month.

(Rogers Sportsnet reported Mason had a torn meniscus repaired on Tuesday.)

"This was an acute injury which means it happened when it happened," Hextall said. "[There was no] previous injury, it was an injury that happened at that time.  They can tell that when they go into the knee. It was pretty obvious. It's not a big deal what he's going through… it's pretty routine."

Hextall also said the Flyers have had no conversation about shutting down Mason for the season.

"None whatsoever," Hextall said. "I guess I would ask the question why would we do that?"

> Forward Michael Raffl has been out since Jan. 20 with a long infection. He skated again on Thursday, alternating between Ryan White on a line with R.J. Umberger and Scott Laughton.

"He can play," Hextall said. "Whether he's ready to play or not physically is a question right now. We don't feel like he's ready to play. I don't believe he's going to play (Friday), and then we'll see for Sunday. It's more for 'Raff' about getting his wind back and opening his lungs up and being able to handle the load that he needs to handle before we put him in there."

> Defenseman Braydon Coburn skated again on Thursday in Columbus, his 10th day of work since re-joining the team.

"I think (Friday) is unlikely," Hextall said. "We're probably looking more at Sunday or Tuesday, but we'll see where it goes."

On Twitter: @frank_seravalli