Detroit — Darren Helm can take the physical abuse from his three young kids at home, so the NHL can’t be too far away.
Helm, who dislocated his left shoulder exactly a month ago, participated in Thursday’s morning skate and is hopeful of a return to the lineup just after January 1.
“Normal day-to-day stuff, it’s fine,’ said Helm of his shoulder, which took the brunt of the hit when he was upended by Tampa defenseman Nikita Nesterov. “At home with the kids (now three girls, the youngest born just two months ago), it’s pretty good, I have to be a little careful if they get a little too excited but it’s good.