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Darren Helm injury: Red Wings' forward won't need surgery on fractured cheekbone

Helm won't need surgery on a fractured left cheekbone, as it's expected to heal on its own.

By James Brady
Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Red Wings won't have to worry about forward Darren Helm going under the knife due to a fractured cheekbone, according to the Detroit Free Press. Of course, there's less worrying all around, given that the NHL is still locked out, and the team likely hasn't had much communication with Helm, if at all.

Helm was hit above the left side of his mouth by a puck on Friday, but it looks as though the damage will heal on its own, according to the report. On Sunday during a practice where Helm was absent, teammate Danny Cleary said that Helm wouldn't need surgery.

Had it actually been during the season, it's likely that Helm would have practiced with the team with a cage on to protect his face. Given that the NHL is locked out, Helm simply didn't show up on Sunday and will take some time to rest and let things heal up.