Per coach Jeff Blashill, Ericsson (upper body) should be ready for the Red Wings' Oct. 4 season opener against Columbus, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson is currently dealing with an upper-body injury that may hold him out of the rest of Detroit's preseason contests, but it isn't something that's expected to linger into the regular season. Either way, the veteran blueliner lacks the offensive upside necessary to be a viable fantasy option, so there's no reason for owners to keep tabs on his availability.

Ericsson won't play Tuesday against the Blackhawks due to an upper-body injury, and is likely out for Wednesday as well.

EDGE Analysis

The Swedish defenseman hasn't been officially ruled out for Wednesday's game with the Bruins, but the odds are not in his favor. That being said, Ericsson has never had more than 15 points in a season, so fantasy owners likely aren't too worried.

Ericsson established career highs in hits (133) and blocked shots (84) in the 2017-18 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Unfortunately, Ericsson's new standard for defensive excellence likely made little difference in the fantasy realm, as owners generally crave offensive production instead. Besides, the Wings still allowed more goals (255) than they scored (217) this season. Ericsson has two years left on his contract with a hefty annual cap hit of $4.25 million. Can you tell GM Ken Holland is loyal to his Swedes?

Ericsson delivered a secondary assist in Monday's 4-2 road loss to the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings are set to pay Ericsson $4.25 million annually through the 2019-20 campaign, which seems like a head-scratcher for a guy who's never surpassed 15 points in a season, but it's worth noting that the Swede has compiled a career-high 72 blocked shots to make life easier for Detroit's goaltenders. There are hundreds of better fantasy blueliners, but the Wings seemingly like what they have in the veteran Ericsson.

Ericsson recorded a primary assist on Detroit's lone goal in Sunday's 4-1 road loss to the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

The stay-at-home defenseman missed Friday's game against the Jets due to the illness, but Ericsson looked fine Sunday. However, we'd be surprised if he's on any fantasy rosters as the owner of 12 points (three goals, nine assists) through 64 games this season.

Ericsson (illness) is expected to return Sunday against the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

After missing Friday's game against the Jets, Ericsson lined up in Sunday's practice with Trevor Daley on the top defensive pair. However, the 34-year-old skater has three goals and 11 points through 63 games this season, so it's unlikely many fantasy owners will hurry him back into their lineups.

Ericsson (illness) won't play Friday against the Jets, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings will be rolling seven defensemen anyway, with Luke Witkowski also entering the lineup Friday. Fantasy owners won't be too dismayed, though, since Ericsson has compiled only three goals, 11 points and 107 hits, while averaging 19:28 of ice time through 63 games.

Ericsson produced a primary assist in Monday's 3-0 road win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

This snapped a 12-game point drought for the Swede, who is more of a stay-at-home defenseman. He's currently mirroring his output of one goal and eight assists from last season, but that's not nearly enough offensive production to appease fantasy owners.

Ericsson has failed to register a point in five consecutive games.

EDGE Analysis

Ericsson pointless streak is on top of a 31-game goal drought that extends back to Oct. 18 against Toronto when he recorded his lone tally of the season. While the blueliner is by no means a prolific scorer -- his career high is 15 points, a mark he's reached three times -- you'd expect a little more production out of a top-pairing defenseman who is averaging 19:38 of ice time.

Ericsson (undisclosed) has been cleared and will be ready for Wednesday's matchup with the Oilers, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The tweak that Ericsson suffered when lifting his baby won't be enough to keep him out of Wednesday's matchup. The 33-year-old blueliner has one goal and three assists through 21 games, and he only gets summoned at even strength. It's too late for him to start lighting up the stat line, but he plays sound defense with a plus-4 rating this season.