Helm spent the weekend on a two-game conditioning assignment with Grand Rapids. He didn't record any points but the most important thing is that he didn't suffer any setbacks with his ailing back and groin. He has only appeared in one NHL game in the last 18 months, but would be a huge addition to the Red Wings third line. Helm could return to the lineup on Saturday vs. the Rangers.
Helm, 26, has not played since Jan. 25, the only game he appeared in during last season's 48-game schedule. He hurt his back doing squats days before training camp, and while he advanced enough to join practices numerous times, he never healed enough to play. A sore knee cost him the last 10 games of the regular season in 2011-12, and then he suffered a cut to his right forearm one game into the 2012 playoffs, missing the rest of that short series. He has been sidelined this fall by a pulled groin. In short, Helm basically hasn't played in the NHL in 18 months.
Helm participated in another full practice on Monday, centering a line with Drew Miller and Mikael Samuelsson. “I need to string together a few of those before I feel like I, ready to play,” Helm said. “I’ve only played four periods in the last 18 months. This will give me some time to get a little bit of a training camp, I guess, give me an opportunity to get ready, get in some skates, do some stuff after.”
It has been a frustrating year for Helm who was only able to play in one game last season because of a back injury. He is now dealing with a groin injury along with the lingering back issue. Helm would be a welcomed sight in the Red Wings lineup, but at this time there is no timetable for his return.
The Wings have only 9 games left and he's not close to returning. Big loss for the Wings.
Said coach Mike Babcock: “I just saw all of the MRIs and all of that, and they were explaining it all to me, and it sounds like things are going in a positive direction for him. But, we’ve been hearing that for a long time. So when he starts practicing every day and has no side-effects, we’ll know something good’s happened.”
Helm was expected to play this past Wednesday, but had a setback during practice Monday and there is no timetable for his return.
It looks like Helm won't be returning for a lengthy period of time. Every time he gets close, he has suffered a setback this season. The 26-year-old's back just will not cooperate the way he would like.
Helm is expected to return to the Red WIngs lineup on Wednesday, but the fact that he left practice early today is alarming. He is not a good fantasy option, but he is a key piece the Red Wings would like to have back.
You likely aren't using Helm in your fantasy league but Jimmy Howard owners may be happy to hear that one of the Wings' best checking forwards is close to returning.
Helm has been dealing with a back injury all season but it appears as if he is getting closer to a return. Helm is more useful to a real hockey team than a fantasy team.
This is good news for Red Wings fans, but Helm isn't fantasy relevant.
Helm had just returned from a sore back, but only managed to stay in the lineup for one game.
Helm's injured back is healthy enough for him to return to the lineup. Helm isn't fantasy relevant.
Helm isn't a great fantasy option, but if you have him on your team make sure he isn't in your lineup.
No change in news for Helm. Not a great fantasy option anyways.
The speedy defensive forward Helm isn't a great fantasy option when healthy.
Helm isn't fantasy relevant.
Tough loss for the Red Wings. Rookie Gustav Nyquist will replace Helm in the lineup for Game 2.
The severity of the injury is not known at this point, but this does not sound good for Helm and the Red Wings.
