Staal (COVID-19 protocols) will not play on Detroit's road trip, which effectively rules him out against the Blues on Thursday and the Avalanche on Friday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings haven't relied on Staal all that much this season, as the veteran is only averaging 16:14 of ice time. Dan Renouf and Luke Witkowski are currently with the parent club since several more defensemen for the Winged Wheel are out of commission.

Staal was placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Staal has garnered just one goal and three assists in 22 appearances for the Wings this season while averaging just 16:14 of ice time. With the veteran defenseman unavailable. Danny DeKeyser figures to jump back into the lineup for the first time since No.v 20 versus Arizona.

Staal scored the game-winning goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran defenseman came into the contest with only three helpers through 19 games, but he made his first tally of the campaign count, coming down off the blue line to bang home the rebound on a shot by Vladislav Namestnikov midway through the third period. Staal hasn't scored more than three goals or 15 points in a season since 2014-15, however, so don't expect the 34-year-old to suddenly catch fire.

Staal (illness) will play Saturday versus the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Staal wasn't expected to return until Wednesday versus the Kraken, but he's apparently recovered from his illness. He'll play alongside Gustav Lindstrom in a third-pairing role Saturday. With three assists, 23 blocked shots and 18 shots on goal in 18 games, Staal doesn't add a whole lot of offense to the equation.

Staal (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Kraken, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This development suggests that Staal will miss the next two games, a home clash with the Sabres on Saturday and Tuesday's tilt against the Bruins in Boston. Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said the veteran defenseman might be lacking energy for the time being. However, Staal reportedly logged consecutive practices as an indication that he's trending in the right direction.

Staal (illness) returned to practice Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Staal has missed the Red Wings' last three games due to an illness, but his presence on the ice Friday suggests he should be an option for Saturday's matchup with Buffalo. The 34-year-old defender has picked up three helpers through 18 contests this campaign.

Staal (illness) won't play Wednesday versus the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Staal's absence has reached a third game. With Danny DeKeyser (COVID-19 protocols) also out, Dan Renouf will enter the lineup on the third pairing while Jordan Oesterle takes on a top-four role. Staal's next chance to return is Saturday versus the Sabres.

Staal (illness) remains out for Saturday's game versus the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Staal will miss a second game due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Jordan Oesterle remains in the lineup in a third-pairing role. Staal will have until Wednesday to get healthy for a game against the Blues.

Staal won't be available for Thursday's game versus Vegas due to a non-COVID illness, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

For the time being, Staal should be considered day-to-day with his unspecified illness. With Staal unavailable, look for Jordan Oesterle to draw into the lineup against the Golden Knights.

Staal logged an assist in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

This was just the third assist of the season for Staal. The 34-year-old defenseman has added 18 shots on net, 23 blocked shots and 17 hits in a third-pairing role. Staal is unlikely to generate enough offense to interest fantasy managers, so he's best left on the waiver wire.