What Happened
Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan stated that center Marco Kasper and winger Mason Appleton are expected to return to action at some point during the team's upcoming four-game road trip. The trip begins Saturday in Colorado and ends on November 14 in Tampa Bay. Both players have been sidelined since the start of the season, with Kasper missing the opener due to an upper-body injury and Appleton joining injured reserve after the second game. McLellan noted that both forwards have been progressing well in non-contact skating sessions without any reported setbacks.
Key Details
- Marco Kasper has been out since the season opener with an upper-body injury.
- Mason Appleton has been on injured reserve since the second game of the season.
- The road trip spans four games from Saturday in Colorado to November 14 in Tampa Bay.
- Both players are currently skating in non-contact jerseys.
- Kasper's absence has forced lineup adjustments in the center position.
What It Means
The return of Kasper and Appleton would provide significant depth to a forward group currently managing multiple absences. Kasper's return is particularly notable as his injury has created a void down the middle, forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle the lineup. Their availability will help stabilize the roster while the team also deals with the absence of Dylan Larkin, who is currently awaiting a trade.
What's Next
The Red Wings will begin their road trip Saturday in Colorado, with the potential for Kasper and Appleton to rejoin the lineup at any point before the trip concludes in Tampa Bay on November 14.