Chelios and Finger Out With Injuries

The Detroit Red Wings learned on Thursday that defenseman Chris Chelios will miss the next six weeks with a fractured bone in his leg. Chelios sustained the injury when he blocked a shot during the Red Wings' 2-1 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens on September 29. The Red Wings signed Chelios to a one-year contract in September with the understanding that he will play a limited role on defense this season. The Red Wings lose some veteran experience and toughness with Chelios out of the lineup, but he could easily be replaced with Kyle Quincey or even Derek Meech.

Also, the Toronto Maple Leafs have learned that defenseman Jeff Finger could miss the first week of the regular season with a foot injury. Finger sustained the injury in Toronto's opening preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres, and the injury is taking longer to heal than expected. Finger signed a four-year contract with the Maple Leafs during the first week of free agency this past summer. With an opening on Toronto's blueline, there is speculation that 2008 first round pick Luke Schenn could start the season with the team. Schenn has had a good preseason and training camp thus far, making him a good choice to replace Finger. The Maple Leafs will lose a bit of toughness and experience with the absence of Finger, but it will not be for long. Schenn will be an adequate replacement until Finger returns.