Ericsson lit the lamp for the first time this season, factoring into a 4-2 home win over the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson took control of the puck right at the blue line, did a little stutter step, and then uncorked a wrist shot that sailed through traffic and went behind Stars netminder Ben Bishop. This was a clutch go-ahead goal from Ericsson, who is generally not counted on for offensive production. In fact, the Swede only has 25 goals and 96 assists through 613 career games with the Red Wings.

Ericsson (upper body) will play in Saturday's game versus the Panthers, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be Ericsson's first game of the season and he's expected to start in the bottom pairing. The veteran blueliner isn't much of a fantasy threat as he hasn't surpassed 15 points in a season since entering the league 11 years ago.

Ericsson (upper body) is expected to return from injured reserve for Saturday's game against the Panthers, dude reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson appears set to make his season debut for the Wings after missing the early portion of the season due to an upper-body issue. The veteran's return should bring some additional physicality to the lineup; Ericsson recorded 133 hits and 84 blocked shots a season ago. Look for official activation and confirmation of his return within the next day or so.

Ericsson (upper body) is likely to miss the next two games at a minimum, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The stocky Swede has yet to make his season debut, which has hurt the Red Wings in the physicality department. After all, Ericsson registered career highs in hits (134) and blocked shots (84) last year. Detroit has deployed six rookies through the first three games (four on the blue line) so the continued absence of Ericsson, a veteran in his 11th year, is significant even though he barely provides offense.

Ericsson (upper body) will not be in action for the Red Wings two-game California road trip, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson's was originally placed on retroactive injured reserve in order to allow the team to activate him as soon as healthy, but at this point it seems like that was an unnecessary step as the blueliner will miss at least the first week of the season anyway. The Red Wings return to Little Caesars Arena Thursday to play the Leafs, which will be the Swede's next chance to slot into the lineup. Youngster Dennis Cholowski, Libor Sulak and Filip Hronek figure to continue getting looks with Ericsson, Niklas Kronwall (undisclosed) and Mike Green (illness) sidelined.

The Red Wings placed Ericsson (upper body) on injured reserve Wednesday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson's move to IR is retroactive, so if he's healthy, he'll be eligible to return to the lineup Sunday against the Kings. However, there's no reason for fantasy owners to keep tabs on his status, as he's only produced 22 points in 132 appearances over the past two seasons.

Ericsson (upper body) will not play Thursday against the Blue Jackets, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

By sitting out the season opener, Ericsson will have four extra days to prepare for the next game. The physical rearguard has only produced 120 points (24 goals, 96 assists) over 610 career contests -- all with the Red Wings over 11 seasons.

Ericsson (upper body) skated in practice Tuesday, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson likely needs to show that he can take contact and log a full practice before getting cleared for Thursday's home opener versus the Blue Jackets. Either way, the Swede's fantasy prospects are minimal as a stay-at-home defenseman.

Ericsson (upper body) suffered a setback that has significantly decreased the likelihood that he'll play in Thursday's preseason home opener versus the Blue Jackets, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson is primarily a shutdown defenseman, with many a Red Wings fan believing that he's not a good value for the club at $4.25 million per season. However, GM Ken Holland has an affinity for Swedish players, and Ericsson -- who produced just three goals and 10 helpers over 81 games last campaign -- has a modified no-trade clause embedded in his contract for the next two seasons.

Per coach Jeff Blashill, Ericsson (upper body) is now considered questionable for the season opener against Columbus on Oct. 4, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

This news is a little puzzling, as Blashill just told reporters he expected Ericsson to be ready for the season opener Tuesday. Nonetheless, Ericsson's injury is considered to be short term, and shouldn't keep him sidelined for long, even if he's unable to go against the Blue Jackets.