Vanek is dealing with a hip flexor which will prevent him from playing Tuesday against the Canadiens, and there's a possibility that it turns out to be a long-term issue, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vanek was expected to welcome Filip Zadina to the third line for the Czech prospect's NHL debut Sunday, but the elder statesman ended up being scratched from the contest due to the injury. Khan further notes that the Wings are currently deliberating on who to call up from AHL Grand Rapids as a replacement for Vanek, who's chipped in 12 goals and 17 assists over 54 games this season.

Vanek (undisclosed) won't suit up for Sunday's game versus the Sharks, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Jeff Blashill said Vanek tweaked something during Saturday's practice, and it's unclear how long this injury will linger. The 35-year-old has 29 points in 54 games with eight coming on the power play. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, so trade rumors will naturally follow a scratch coming within 24 hours of the deadline. However, Vanek has a no-trade clause, so those whispers would likely be speculation.

Vanek logged a power-play assist in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

The two-time 40-goal scorer now has 28 points in 49 games. While these numbers aren't so impressive, Vanek has come on strong over the past month, tallying four goals and 11 points over his last 11 contests.

Vanek scored a goal and an assist in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

He's found the scoresheet in four straight games, scoring three goals and six points over that stretch. Vanek's numbers on the season aren't great -- he has only 10 goals and 23 points in 42 games -- but the streaky winger is capable of staying hot through the All-Star break and into the second half.

Vanek scored his fifth goal of the season in Saturday's 2-1 home loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Vanek's produced all 15 of his points in 12 of a possible 29 games. The journeyman has been maddeningly inconsistent in his career, and his current third-line assignment with relatively inexperienced forward Jacob De La Rose and Martin Frk doesn't lend much hope that he'll start producing more frequently in the attacking zone.

Vanek (lower body) has been activated from injured reserve, ahead of Wednesday's home game against the Bruins, according to the NHL's official media site. The veteran winger is also in the projected lineup.

EDGE Analysis

Even though Vanek looks fit to play in the upcoming contest, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill is expected to station him on the fourth line with Jacob De La Rose and Martin Frk. That trio does have some offensive flair -- plus, Vanek will be on the No. 2 power-play unit -- but it's probably best to wait and see how he performs after an eight-game injury layoff before plugging him back in for fantasy purposes.

Vanek (lower body) is likely to play Wednesday against the Bruins, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

This news originated from Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill. Vanek has missed the past eight games, but the Austrian winger should immediately resume power-play responsibilities upon his return. Detroit is ranked 11th in that special teams situation with a conversion rate of 22.4 percent, but every bit helps since the Original Six club competes in a highly competitive Atlantic Division.

Vanek (lower body) might be ready to play against the Bruins on Wednesday, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Jeff Blashill wouldn't go so far as the guarantee Vanek would be in the lineup, but Red Wings aren't expected to call-up a player from the minors after Darren Helm (upper body) sustained an injury, per Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, which is a good indication the team is planning on having Vanek available. Before he can rejoin the lineup, the veteran winger will need to be activated off injured reserve.

Vanek (lower body) skated Tuesday, but Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill couldn't offer a "real update," on the veteran winger ahead of Tuesday's home game against the Coyotes, Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

This effectively rules out Vanek for the home clash against the 'Yotes, and we'll have to see if he accompanies the team to Ottawa for Thursday's game. Considering that there's no deeper position than forward in fantasy hockey, it's probably not worth waiting out Vanek's injury -- after all, he's only picked up two goals and three helpers to work against a minus-8 rating between 12 games this season.

Coach Jeff Blashill said Vanek (lower body) will sit out for 2-to-3 weeks, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Blashill added that if Andreas Athanasiou (undisclosed) was unable to play Thursday versus the Devils, the team would call up one or two players from AHL Grand Rapids. Expect Vanek to land on injured reserve for the time being, with a two-week timeline bringing him to a Nov. 13 contest versus the Canucks.