The Detroit Red Wings will be without forward Darren Helm six to eight weeks with an upper-body injury according to general manager Ken Holland.
Red Wings Darren Helm Out Six To Eight Weeks
Helm was hurt in the first period of Saturday’s matchup with the New Jersey Devils after taking a hit from Travis Zajac. He left the game and did not return. The Wings went on to win the game 3-2.
Head coach Jeff Blashill said after the game that he expected Helm to be out for an extended period of time.
Not too long after that, the team got news that Helm would be out for a while.
In 20 games so far this season, Helm has one goal and five assists. In 75 games last year, he had 13 goals and 18 assists. Helm is mostly known as a two-way centreman. He can play on the penalty kill from time-to-time. Not to mention, he is a mentor to the younger players.
Analysis
The Red Wings will miss Helm, although, to the average fan, his absence will not be noticed. Helm is a bottom-six forward. He knows how to hold his own and is beloved by his teammates. His loss does not help Detroit out down the middle, but it does create an opportunity for the younger players to get some bottom-six playing time.
In the long run, this may help Detroit out more than it hurts them since they will get to see how these younger players can play, which is positive.
For Helm, an injury is not ideal. That being said, it’s a part of the game. As he works his way back into the lineup, he’ll get some much-needed rest. Once he gets back, he will be a welcomed addition to the Red Wings centre corps.
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