Petry Probably Won’t Make Red Wings’ Road Trip

When the Detroit Red Wings board the team plane for Florida today, injured defenseman Jeff Petry will presumably not be with them.

“I would say ‘no’ right now,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said Tuesday. “I haven’t asked that, but in my own gut I would say ‘no.’

Petry, 37 hasn’t played since suffering an undisclosed injury Jan. 2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Petry still hasn’t skated,” McLellan said. “We’re talking longer term there.”

There’s no need for Petry (1-5-6) to be rushed here, because rookie Albert Johansson has played well in his absence. In five games paired with Simon Edvinsson, Johansson is plus-two with a goal and an assist. He seems to be improving with every game he has played.

Although he’s lighter than coaches like to see on the blue line, he has held his own against bigger opponents along the boards.

Injured goalie Alex Lyon seems to be close to returning, but the Red Wings haven’t said he is ready. As of 11 a.m, there was no indication the Red Wings were sending Ville Husso back to Grand Rapids.

The Red Wings probably will call up someone from Grand Rapids to replace Tyler Motte who was injured when he fell into the boards in the loss to San Jose Tuesday night.

“He hit the boards pretty hard and obviously face first,” McLellan said. “…So he was in rough shape.”

Christian Fischer could be Motte’s replacement up front. Defenseman William Lagesson is also still on the roster, having been called up when Petry was injured.