Flames' Johnny Gaudreau returns ahead of schedule for Sunday's game vs. Ducks

Calgary forward was expected to miss 4-6 weeks with broken finger

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Caption: Johnny Gaudreau will return to the Calgary Flames lineup tonight when they host the Anaheim Ducks. Gaudreau suffered his injury on Nov. 15 against the Minnesota Wild. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

Johnny Gaudreau is returning to the Calgary Flames lineup ahead of schedule.
The 23-year-old, left-winger declared himself ready to play Sunday against the visiting Anaheim Ducks less than three weeks after breaking his finger and undergoing surgery.
Recovery was expected to take four to six weeks.

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Gaudreau began skating with the Flames this past week wearing a non-contact jersey in practice.
The Flames went 6-3-1 in Gaudreau's absence since he was slashed and injured in a game against the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 15.
Gaudreau was Calgary's leading scorer last season with 30 goals and 48 assists.