Red Wings defenceman Danny DeKeyser out 3-4 weeks with sprained ligament in left foot

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings will start the season without a key defenceman.

The team said Friday that defenceman Danny DeKeyser will be out three to four weeks with a sprained ligament in his left foot.

DeKeyser was hurt in the third period of Wednesday night's game against at Pittsburgh. He had two goals and 29 assists in 80 games last year. The Red Wings open the season Oct. 9 at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs and their former coach, Mike Babcock.

The Red Wings also said first-round pick Evgeny Svechnikov has agreed to terms on a three year, entry-level deal. Detroit drafted the Russian winger 19th overall. He is playing for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.