Jonathan Ericsson plans to wait a few more weeks before he makes any plans to head overseas. He wants to get a better sense of where negotiations on a new CBA before making any commitments to a team in Europe.

Jonathan Ericsson feels he is ready to take on a larger role with the Detroit Red Wings this year. "I think every year, there's more opportunity from when I got here," he said. "That's something I have to try to take advantage of. Last season was a good season, I think. I learned a lot. My most consistent season, for sure. I took a bigger step on the penalty kill, and that's what I want to keep doing." He is expected to get more minutes on the PK with Brad Stuart in San Jose now and he could get additional time in other situations as well. The Wings have open spots for a shutdown defender and a power play point-man, which Ericsson may snatch up. He posted 11 points, 128 hits, 43 blocks and a plus-14 rating in 69 games last season and those stats should improve with greater responsibility. Ericsson also said he is considering playing for Norrkoping Vita Hasten, a third-tier team in Sweden, in the event of a lockout.

Jonathan Ericsson (back) is optimistic that he will return for Sweden in the quarterfinals of the world championship, which begin Thursday. Ericsson sustained a lower-back injury in Game 1 of the world championship, and Detroit thought the rearguard would miss the rest of the tournament. He told Sweden's Aftonbladet that he hopes to be in there in a few days. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland called it "good news."

It appears that Jonathan Ericsson will be out of the World Championships after suffering a lower back injury during Game 1. The Red Wings defenseman was playing for his native Sweden at the World Championships in Stockholm and Helsinki. "It sounds to me like he's done for the tournament," Detroit GM Ken Holland said. "I don't expect him to play." He will be fine for training camp in September.

Jonathan Ericsson will probably play for Team Sweden in the IIHF World Championship. Ericsson is primarily a defensive defenseman, although he did chip in offensively with 11 points in 69 games this season. He also has a career-high plus-16 rating.

Jonathan Ericsson is slated to open the playoffs on Detroit's top defense pairing alongside ageless wonder Nicklas Lidstrom. Ericsson returned to the Red Wings' lineup in late March from a fractured wrist. He posted 11 points and a plus-16 rating in 69 games this season.

Jonathan Ericsson returned to action on Friday March 30.

Jonathan Ericsson will return from his fractured wrist on Wednesday night. He is officially being listed as a game-time decision, but should play his first game since Feb. 25.

Jonathan Ericsson (wrist) is questionable for Wednesday's game. "I feel real close; hopefully I can (play), but I don't want to say for sure yet," said Ericsson. "The things I'm doing (on the ice), I don't feel much (discomfort)." He has been sidelined for 13 consecutive contests.

Jonathan Ericsson won't return from his wrist injury on Monday, but he should return Wednesday. The defenseman is itching to get back into the lineup, but he is confident that he is on track to play again very soon. Ericsson has been out of action since Feb. 25 because of a fractured wrist.