This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Western Conference Injury Report - Top Injuries of the Week
Pavel Datsyuk - Detroit Red Wings
Datsyuk sustained a shoulder injury on September 22nd after being on the receiving end of a body check from Rob Scuderi. Following an MRI, the Russian centre was diagnosed with a second degree separation and the Red Wings gave a time frame of four weeks until his return. Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports that he hasn't yet been cleared for contact but has been skating with teammates. On Thursday, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported that Datsyuk won't play this weekend but could return the weekend after.
A second degree separation involves stretching and partial tearing of ligaments and can be treated with rest and rehab. The time frame is generally 4-6 weeks and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Red Wings be extra cautious with Datsyuk they haven't set a target date for his return. For comparison's sake, Canucks prospect Brandon Gaunce suffered a second degree shoulder separation back on October 19 2002, was given a time frame of three to six weeks and returned on November 14th, just under a month later.
Evander Kane - Winnipeg Jets
Evander Kane injured his knee in the opening period of the Winnipeg Jets season opener last week vs. Arizona. The dynamic left winger collided knee on knee with teammate Mark Scheifele. Kane returned to the game for one shift but left and was seen walking with a limp the next day. On Tuesday, Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Paul Maurice told the media that he would rest for two weeks (no skating) and then be re-evaluated.
Traditionally the Jets have been very quiet on disclosing injuries, giving Kane a general "lower body" diagnosis. It can be determined through process of elimination that Kane does not have a major tear or fracture as the two week evaluation period would be unnecessary. If Kane were cleared for skating after the two weeks he would likely need a rehab stint, it is possible he won't return to game action until early to mid November.
Semyon Varlamov - Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche MVP from last season was placed on IR earlier Thursday after sustaining a mild groin injury. A mild groin strain is categorized as something that "may not be very painful and may not limit mild or moderate physical activity." Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reported the Avalanche have said that Varlamov should be ready in time to play against Vancouver on October 24th.
Given the body movements involved with goaltending, groin strains are quite common. In fact Varlamov missed two months with a groin injury during the 2009-10 season. While a mild groin strain isn't that serious it is definitely an injury that can linger if not fully recovered. How Varlamov returns is something that should be monitored by fantasy owners.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Edmonton Oilers
The number one pick from 2011 has missed the last two games after suffering an injury on Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun reported that Coach Dallas Eakins has not disclosed any specifics on the injury to the Nuge but denied that it was during the center's first career fight vs. Dan Hamhuis. Eakins described Nugent-Hopkins as "bruised up all over".
Teammate Jordan Eberle was also diagnosed with "undisclosed" injuries earlier this week but was able to play on Wednesday vs. Arizona. The injury to the 21-year-old Nugent Hopkins does not appear serious, and he's since returned to action.
Marian Gaborik - Los Angeles Kings
The oft-injured forward missed his second consecutive game on Thursday. Rich Hammond of the OC Register reported earlier this week that Gaborik had a "lower-body muscle injury" and there is no timetable for his return. With the Kings being so quiet on the injury it is difficult to speculate.
Given Gaborik's injury history and the Kings' Stanley Cup expectations it is reasonable to think the Kings will be cautious with the right winger. When drafting Gaborik it should always be expected that he will miss a handful of games but will be productive when healthy.
