DETROIT -- The Red Wings will start the season without a key defenseman.
The team said Friday that 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 at Pittsburgh. He had two goals and 29 assists in 80 games last season.
Detroit opens the season Oct. 9 at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs and 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.
