Report: 3 Red Wings missing from practice on Friday.

The Detroit Red Wings appear to be missing a few of their veterans.

According to a report from Dana Wakiji of the Detroit Red Wings official website, there were no fewer than 3 Red Wings absent from practice today and that appears to be an indication that they will not be available for the Red Wings' next game. The Red Wings are set to face off against the Edmonton Oilers, a team that has been surprisingly hot over the course of their last 10 games, and they will be short handed it what will almost assuredly a tough match up.

Wakiji reported on Friday that forwards Andreas Athanasiou and Tomas Vanek were both not out on the ice for practice and that additionally defenseman Joanthan Ericsson was also conspicuous by his absence. Thankfully we do not have to speculate on why they were sidelined during practice as Wakiji was able to get a comment from head coach Jeff Blashill who provided some insight on each of his missing players. 

In the case of Ericsson the veteran defenseman is out with an undisclosed injury and was listed as day to day by Blashill at this stage. Athanansiou's status is a little less clear than Ericsson as Blashill did not give a specific status update on the Red Wings' forward, but he did reveal that Anathanisou would not be in the line up against the Oilers. It wasn't all bad news for the Red Wings however as two familiar faces were back at practice on Friday as well.

28 year old Red Wings defenseman Danny Dekeyser was back on the ice on Friday and when Blashill was asked about his status for Saturday night against Edmonton Blashill did confirm that Dekeyser would make his return to action and play in just his 6th regular season game so far this season. 34 year old center Frans Nielsen was also back out on the ice for the Red Wings on Friday, however unlike Dekeyser it appears that Nielsen will not be ready to go on Saturday against Edmonton, which begs the question when can he be expected back?

The Oilers are not the terrible team that they were last season, picking up wins in 7 of their last 10, and they will be a tough match up for what will be a depleted Red Wings roster.