The Fifth Liners

With just three days to go before the Red Wings take to the ice for the first time this season, the team has added the following players to its injury reserve list. Darren Helm Patrick Eaves Jonas Gustavsson Jordin Tootoo Helm and Eaves are on the long term IR, which means that they'll miss a minimum of 10 games. Tootoo and Gustavsson are on the seven day IR. They can expect to miss the first three games of the season. Thanks to the Red Wings' Facebook page for the update.

The Detroit Red Wings  announced this week that they've re-signed defenseman Brendan Smith to a two year contract. The big Canadian put up good numbers last season and as a Wings fan, it's good to the team getting things tied up before the training camp starts in less than two months. Rumour has it that Ken Holland wants to get Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson 's contracts sewn up too. No word on Damien Brunner yet who remains one of the best UFAs currently still available. Good news on the injury front though, Darren Helm is back and skating with the team. Albeit not 100% yet.

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has announced in the  Detroit Free Press  that he doesn't think Canadian Center Darren Helm will be back before the end of regular season. Helm has been suffering with a back injury he picked up in pre-season.