Injuries have been an unfortunate near-constant in the career of Detroit Red Wings wingman, Darren Helm. In Saturday afternoon’s game against the Devils, Helm suffered another one, and this one will likely keep him sidelined for a while.
Much to the chagrin of Detroit Red Wings fans, LW Darren Helm has a history with injuries. Since his rookie year, he has played all 82 games only once. Most recently, in 2016, he suffered a shoulder injury which kept him out several weeks. Now, per the Detroit Free Press, he appears to have injured his arm and may be out for some time. Needless to say, it is easy to feel for the guy.
Early in the first period on Saturday, Helm was hit into the glass by Travis Zajac. Initially, it looked like nothing more than an especially hard hit, but as he crumpled to the ice clutching his arm, it appeared to be something more.
He was immediately helped off the ice by trainers–never a good sign–and was escorted to the locker room, without returning to the game. While the specifics of his injury are not known at this time, from what we saw on the ice, the injury may be quite serious.
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Helm, 31, has taken a less prominent role this season to some of the younger forwards. His offensive output has been lessened this year as well. With only one goal and six total points, his -5 rating is actually one of the worst on the team. As such, he has vacillated between the first and third line, sort of filling in where necessary.
He has seen less time on the ice, but he had played in every game until now. This does not make him entirely expendable, though. Even in limited time, he has really shone on power plays, a department in which the Red Wings have struggled before this season. While his overall point share may not have the largest impact on the team, his absence will be felt.
What does this mean for the team now? Luckily, Thomas Vanek, who has not played since October 30, should be returning soon. A consistent player and a fan-favorite, he will make up some of Helm’s ice time. As for getting a look at prospects, coach Jeff Blashill has been cagey about bringing up Filip Zadina from Grand Rapids. The decision to preserve him until he is ready is a wise one.
In the meantime, the Wings will have to make do with the forwards they have. Anthony Mantha has been superb during this winning streak on the opposite wing, and Gus Nyquist and Andreas Athanasiou have been reliable as always. In the long term, the Detroit Red Wings will be fine, but coach Blashill will have some decisions to make on whom he inserts into Darren Helm’s role.