Associated PressDETROIT (AP) -Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja has undergone an appendectomy.
The team says Lilja could return to the lineup as soon as Friday following Tuesday's surgery at the Detroit Medical Center.
The team also says forward Darren Helm has been assigned to the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins. Helm was called up to Detroit on Thursday and appeared in two games.
Helm was Detroit's fifth-round selection in the 2005 draft.
NHL.com - News: Red Wings D Andreas Lilja undergoes appendectomy - 10/21/2008