Gaudreau returning more than 3 weeks ahead of schedule

Johnny Hockey is a quick healer.

Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau said he's ready to return to the lineup Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks, less than three weeks after having surgery to repair his broken finger.

Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed the decision moments after Gaudreau's proclamation.

Gaudreau was injured after receiving more than a dozen slashes to the hands from the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 15, the last of which came courtesy of Eric Staal.

The Flames star was ruled out for six weeks after undergoing the procedure two days later. He's missed the last 10 games.

Gaudreau posted five goals and six assists in 17 games prior to the injury.

He signed a six-year contract extension worth a reported $40.5 million in early October.