Helm sees specialist

DETROIT — Darren Helm saw a back specialist in New York on Monday, who thinks he may have seen something different on the MRI.

“He gave him some medication,” Holland said. “We’re going to see where he’s at 4-5 days. When we’re back in town we’ll see how he’s responded to the medication, Friday or Saturday.”

Helm, who has played one game this season, has been on the wrong end of a rash of injuries even before the season began.

He missed the Wings’ week-long training camp with a back injury.

He hit by a puck on Nov. 2 during an informal skate in Troy, breaking an orbital bone.

On March 17, he missed the final 10 regular season games with a sprained MCL. Then, in his first game back, the playoff opener against Nashville, he had tendons in his forearm sliced by a skate.

The Wings have missed Helm’s speed and last season Babcock called him the best third-line center in the league.

Mursak clears waivers; heading to GR

DETROIT — Forward Jan Mursak cleared waivers on Saturday afternoon, and was subsequently assigned to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.

The move was not completely unexpected, as Mursak had appeared in only two games this season, and had yet to record a point. Mursak, one of only two players from Slovenia to play in the NHL, originally was drafted by Detroit in 2006. He was placed on waivers last Friday, giving any other club the opportunity to claim him.

In 46 career games with the Red Wings, Mursak, 25, had recorded two goals and two assists.

Detroit now has 12 forwards on its active roster. Todd Bertuzzi, Mikael Samuelsson, Darren Helm and Johan Franzen remain sidelined with injuries.

Helm doubtful for opener; Samuelsson improving

PLYMOUTH — Darren Helm (back) missed the third day of camp and is doubtful for Saturday night’s opener in St. Louis.

“Each day has been a little bit better, so I really don’t know when I’ll be on the ice,” Helm said. “Just day-by-day, play it by ear.

“Probably pretty doubtful to play,” Helm added when asked about opener. “Still have to get on the ice first. That’s probably a couple days away.”

Helm hasn’t skated since last Thursday and hasn’t had another test since an MRI on Sunday.

“I can’t really lift anything up right now, can’t bend over too well,” Helm said. “I’ll have to tie my skates before I skate around. It is hurting. It’s a small injury but bugs me quite a bit. I have to make sure I can actually skate before I go out there.”

Helm said this is his first back injury.

“I’m just kind of listening to what they’re saying and trusting them, like I’ve done before,” Helm said. “Just being really cautious with it and when it’s ready it’s ready. It’s a short season. Obviously, I’ve got to get back quickly but I can’t rush it and be out for another 3-4 weeks. I’ve got to be smart with it.”

Helm has been on the wrong end of a rash of injuries of late.

On March 17, he missed the final 10 regular season games with a sprained MCL. Then, in his first game back, the playoff opener against Nashville, he had tendons in his forearm sliced by a skate. He was also hit by a puck on Nov. 2 during an informal skate in Troy, breaking an orbital bone.

“I’ve been watching a lot of games, been sidelined for a year and a bit with different types of injuries,” Helm said. “It is a bit frustrating, but hoping it’s sooner or later.”

Mikael Samuelsson said an ultrasound revealed nothing on his injured groin.

“It’s a minor, minor thing,” Samuelsson said. “It’s not a big deal, but you don’t want to start like this.”

Samuelsson said it’s very possible he’ll be on the ice Thursday and feels he’ll be ready for the opener.

“I will be ready for Saturday if the coach wants me,” Samuelsson said.

Helm’s salary cap hit

DETROIT — Darren Helm’s salary-cap hit on his new deal is $2.125 million each of the next four seasons.

However, he will earn $1.75 million in each of the next two seasons and $2.25 million in each of the final two seasons of the deal.