Red Wings center Mike Modano could miss up to 10 weeks according to one estimate after slicing a tendon in his right wrist.
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Modano underwent surgery and that the injury did significant harm, which included slight nerve damage.
"Surgery was a success. He’s out indefinitely,'' Holland said. "The doctor doesn’t know how long he’s out. The doctor wants to give it a little time to see how he heals.
Modano was cut by the skate of Columbus forward R.J. Umberger during the Red Wings' 2-1 victory on Friday night. An unnamed player estimated Modano could be out "8-to-10 weeks."
The injury is not as significant as it would have been last year. Detroit has a logjam at the forward posistion, already having to regularly swap out Jiri Hudler, Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves. With Modano out and Kris Draper set to return soon, Modano's absence won't have as much of an impact. Miller and Eaves have been playing extremely well and Hudler might get a boost now that he will man the point on the second power play unit.