Vanek (hip) was able to skate before practice Thursday, but Nov. 18 is the earliest that he'll be able to return as he's on long-term injured reserve, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit has only won twice -- a pair of shootout victories -- in the past seven games without Vanek. Prior to sustaining the ailment, the Austrian started the campaign with four goals and four assists, including four points on the power play. Fantasy owners of Vanek should be encouraged that he's already back out on the ice, even though it appears to have been in limited fashion.