Detroit Red Wings’ Matt Luff will be out 10-12 weeks following wrist surgery

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde confirmed to the media Wednesday that forward Matt Luff will undergo surgery tomorrow for his wrist and is expected to be out for 10-12 weeks. Luff was injured following a hit from behind by Montreal Canadiens rookie Juraj Slafkovsky late in the third period of Tuesday’s game. Slafkosvky was issued a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Slafkovsky will have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety today.

Luff, 25, was an undrafted free-agent forward from the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He spent three seasons with the Bulldogs, registering 137 points in 170 games, and 96 penalty minutes. He signed his entry-level-contract (ELC) with the L.A. Kings in 2016 after an impressive rookie camp. He made his NHL debut with the Kings during the 2018-19 season, registering eight goals and three assists in 33 games. Following his three-year tenure with the Kings, Luff signed with the Nashville Predators last season. In 23 games, he registered three goals and three assists. He also spent time in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals and was a point-per-game player, he put up 31 points in 30 games.

This summer, Luff signed a one-year two-way contract with the Red Wings worth $750,000. The Oakville, Ontario product provides the Red Wings with more energy for their bottom six as he is not afraid to mix it up. His forechecking ability and nose for the net make him a player that fits well into the Wings’ current system. This was a low-risk signing for Steve Yzerman and in five games with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL this season, Luff totaled seven points, earning a call-up. In seven games with the Red Wings, he has one goal.