DETROIT –All NHL teams braced for more injuries during this lockout-shortened season, but the Detroit Red Wings already have experienced more than their share.

Their latest injury had nothing to do with a short training camp and compressed schedule, however, as defenseman Ian White will be out for two-to-three weeks following surgery Wednesday morning to repair a deep laceration in his left leg.

It was a freak injury, as White was cut just above his knee by the skate blade of Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard midway through the third period of Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Dallas.



“He had a very deep laceration,'' Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. “No damage to any tendons, but some of the muscle was detached. During surgery, Dr. (Doug) Plagens reattached some of the muscle.

“All went well.''

Holland said he will not sign another defenseman or recall anybody from the Grand Rapids Griffins because Jakub Kindl (groin) is due back for Friday's game against Minnesota at Joe Louis Arena.

Holland said he is not certain if defenseman Jonathan Ericsson will be ready for Friday. An MRI on his hip showed a little inflammation. He's taking anti-inflammatory medicine.

The six defenseman the Red Wings will dress on Friday are Niklas Kronwall, Kyle Quincey, Brendan Smith, Brian Lashoff, Kent Huskins and Kindl.

Defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo is out 3-4 weeks with a Grade 2 shoulder separation suffered in Monday's 4-3 shootout win at Columbus. Three of the team's top six defensemen are idled.



“Injuries are a part of the game,'' Holland said. “Some years you get good luck with them. Early on we've been hit with a rash.

“When we get bodies back, it takes a while to get them going. We have to find a way to grind out wins.''

Forwards Darren Helm (back) and Todd Bertuzzi (flu) are expected to make their season debut on Friday.

Holland said forward Mikael Samuelsson and backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson, each out with a groin pull, are questionable for Friday. If Gustavsson can't dress, the club will recall Tom McCollum from the Griffins. He was sent down after Tuesday's game so that he can dress for Grand Rapids' game Wednesday at home against Oklahoma City.

Also, forward Jan Mursak is out a month with an injury to his collar bone.