Detroit Red Wings Darren Helm To Miss 6-8 Weeks With Dislocated Shoulder

Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm will miss a significant amount of time after suffering a dislocated shoulder Tuesday night vs. Tampa Bay.

Just what the Red Wings didn’t need was more bad news, however they got it yesterday afternoon. The Wings will be without Darren Helm for at least six weeks the Wings learned following tests on Helm yesterday afternoon.

According to a Freep report, an MRI revealed the damage Helm suffered when he crashed to the ice during Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning after being upended by Nikita Nesterov. The good news is that Helm doesn’t require surgery to repair the shoulder, the bad news is may not be back until mid to late January.

Helm was off to a good start in 2016, netting four goals, assisting on three others and more importantly he is a plus-6 so gar on the season through the first 17 games.

Wings general manager Ken Holland said the recovery was estimated at 6-to-8 weeks and that no surgery is needed.

“Helmer is a real effective player for us,” Blashill said. “Brings energy. Wings puck battles, gives you tons of speed. So he’s a big piece of our team for sure.

“Personally I feel really bad for Darren Helm. He’s had a tough go over the last number of years. He’s got to keep his head up and keep plugging and just try to get himself mentally in a spot where he will be ready when he comes back. That’s my biggest thing, I would say – you hate to see it happen to a guy again. It’s unfortunate.”

The Red Wings have today off and will hit the road to face next the Washington Capital on Friday. Now the Wings will be forced to call up a forward from the Grand Rapids Griffins. It seems most likely that the Wings will recall Tyler Bertuzzi to fill the spot vacated by Helm.

The youngster did well in three appearances for Detroit last week, before being returned to the Griffins on Tuesday. Maybe this will be a blessing in disguise for the Red Wings, who are 8-8 after the first 16 games of the season.