Red Wings Lose Mason Appleton to Injury, Lineup Shuffles Continue Amid Skid
The Detroit Red Wings will be without forward Mason Appleton for the next 7 to 10 days as he deals with a lower-body injury, head coach Todd McLellan confirmed. Appleton, a dependable two-way forward, has been a steady presence in Detroit’s bottom six this season, putting up nine points through 26 games. Signed to a two-year deal over the summer after several seasons in Winnipeg, the 29-year-old has brought veteran poise and versatility to a depth group that’s seen its share of lineup movement lately.
This injury comes at a time when Detroit is trying to shake off a rough end to November. The third and fourth lines have been in flux, and tonight’s game against Boston saw more tinkering - most notably, Marco Kasper sliding down the lineup.
The 21-year-old, known for his skill and offensive upside, is still searching for consistency at the NHL level. He’s tallied three goals so far this season, but hasn't yet found the rhythm the Red Wings were hoping for.
Given the current timeline, Appleton is expected to miss at least the next three games. A potential return could come as early as December 10 when Detroit visits Calgary - a date the Wings will have circled if they hope to stabilize their bottom six and get back on track.
Around the League: Injuries Stack Up for Predators, Sharks Await Word on Wennberg
The injury bug isn’t just biting in Detroit.
In Nashville, three players - defenseman Justin Barron, center Michael McCarron, and blueliner Nick Perbix - are all out for tonight’s game against Calgary, each listed as day-to-day. Barron has been sidelined since mid-November after suffering a lower-body injury during the Global Series. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of promise and was carving out a regular role before going down.
McCarron, a former first-round pick who’s carved out a niche as a physical fourth-line center, exited Saturday’s game after a fight with Winnipeg’s Logan Stanley. He’s brought energy and edge to the Predators’ bottom six this season, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap in their physical game.
Perbix, meanwhile, will miss his first game since joining the Predators from Tampa Bay on a two-year deal. The 25-year-old has brought a calming presence to Nashville’s blue line, but even his steady play hasn’t been enough to lift a team that’s been struggling to gain traction in the standings.
San Jose’s Wennberg Questionable After Upper-Body Injury
In San Jose, the Sharks are monitoring the status of center Alexander Wennberg, who left last night’s win over Utah with an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old has been a fixture in the lineup this season, suiting up for all 27 games and posting 13 points.
Wennberg was brought in to anchor the second line on a team that’s been leaning heavily into a rebuild. Signed at a manageable $5 million, he’s filled his role effectively and could become a valuable trade chip as the Sharks continue their strategy of flipping veterans for future assets. For now, though, his status for tomorrow’s game against Washington remains up in the air.
The Sharks have made a habit of turning short-term contracts into long-term value, and Wennberg - a pending UFA - fits that mold perfectly. But first, they’ll need him healthy.