The 25-year-old was injured when he went to hit Sharks forward Dominic Moore during Saturday's 3-2 loss in San Jose. Moore appeared to avoid the hit, causing an awkward collision. Helm immediately pulled up and left the contest without playing another shift.
"I was going to hit Moore, kind of took not the best angle on him," Helm told MLive.com after the game. "He kind of jumped out of the way a little bit, trying to avoid the hit and we just kind of collided. I was trying to hit him pretty good and he got out of the way. It was just one of those funky collisions. I was in pain right away."
This is a significant blow for the Wings, who rely on Helm for energy and speed as the club's third-line center. If the recovery time does not take longer than it is estimated, he could return during the first round of the playoffs.
In 68 games with the Red Wings this season, Helm has recorded nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points.
Meanwhile, captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who missed his 10th straight game against the Washington Capitals due to a deep ankle bruise, took part in Monday’s morning skate and remains day-to-day.
