DeKeyser out 4-6 weeks but Hronek will remain in Grand Rapids

Detroit — Steven Stamkos, the Lightning sniper, is known for his powerful shot, and when he hit Danny DeKeyser low on the left arm Tuesday the Red Wings’ defenseman skated off in pain.

DeKeyser, a leader in time on ice among Wings’ defensemen — who also plays on the penalty kill — is lost for four to six weeks, Jeff Blashill said Wednesday.

Filip Hronek, one of the Red Wings' best prospects among defensemen and a second-round pick in 2016, 53rd overall, playing in Grand Rapids, will not replace DeKeyser, the coach said.

Any call-up from Grand Rapids would determined after the Griffins game Wednesday night, Blashill said.

The Wings will know more about DeKeyser’s injury after medical tests.

They are awaiting the results of a CT scan to determine the seriousness of the injury DeKeyser suffered, apparently to his hand or wrist.

“We’re waiting on the results of a CT scan,” Blashill said. “We’ll know more for sure after that scan.”

More: Krupa: Losing Mantha a high price, but Wings must defend teammates

It was not yet known if DeKeyser will require surgery.

Blashill would not say whether he hurt his hand or wrist.

“You guys saw the clip,” he said, in a jocular exchange with the media, in the upper-body, lower-body world of the NHL.

Blashill said Hronek must play better in Grand Rapids before he is called up, especially to face one of the best offensive attacks in the league, Mike Babcock’s Maple Leafs, Thursday in Toronto.

“With Filip, we would just focus on him getting better right now,” Blashill said.

“When he went down there, he’s played fine. But, he hasn’t played great. We want him to get playing great.

“Generally, it doesn’t make much sense with a young guy like that to call up if they’re not playing great down there.

“He’s got to get his game to where he feels great about his game before he comes up, especially facing offense like that.”

Wings ranked eighth

Forbes, the business magazine, released its annual assessment of finances in the NHL Wednesday, and at $775 million the Red Wings rank eighth in valuation, the lowest of the so-called Original Six franchises.

The others, the Rangers ($1.5 billion), Maple Leafs ($1.45 billion), Canadiens ($1.3 billion), Blackhawks ($1.05 billion) and Bruins ($925 billion), comprise the top five.

The Kings ($810 million) and Flyers ($800 million) also rank ahead of the Wings.

Average operating income, profits after expenses, increased 39 percent in 2017-18 to $25 million, a record, according to Forbes.

NBC pays $187 million per season, and Forbes reports the fee is likely to double after the current deal expires in 2020-21.

The current, 10-year collective bargaining agreement ratified five years ago reduced the players’ share of revenue to 50 percent from the previous 57 percent.

Since 2011-12, the season before the NHL and the players’ association made the agreement, average operating income had increased more than 300 percent, Forbes reported.

For the Salvation Army

The Red Wings will compete for raising money in The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign again this year.

Teams of Wings will gather at four locations from 4-6 p.m., Friday:

►Blashill and GM Ken Holland, Kroger, 17447 Haggerty Road, Livonia.

►Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, Hockey Authentics, 1845 East Big Beaver, Troy.

►Dennis Cholowski and Michael Rasmussen, Kroger, 15255 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn.

►Mike Green and Luke Witkowski, 2200 E. 12 Mile Road, Royal Oak.

Fans are asked for a $10 donation for an autograph.

Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs

Face-off: 7 Thursday, ScotiaBank Arena, Toronto

TV/radio: FSD/97.1

Outlook: William Nylander returns to a stacked, powerful lineup for the Maple Leafs after extended contract negotiations. The Leafs (20-8) have reached 20 wins quicker than any season since 1934-35. … The Wings will be without Tyler Bertuzzi, Trevor Daley, Danny DeKeyser and Anthony Mantha.

gregg.krupa@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @greggkrupa