Darren Helm's absence from the Detroit Red Wings is COVID-19 related.
The NHL released a list Wednesday evening, less than an hour before the start of the 2021 season, of players who are unavailable to play or practice, in accordance with the League’s COVID protocols. The Wings open their season Thursday.
Helm has not practiced since the opening weekend of training camp. Coach Jeff Blashill has declined to say anything other than that Helm has been "unfit" to practice, but the NHL will, during the season, share the names of players who are unavailable due to pandemic protocols.