Injured forward Darren Helm skated on his own during today’s practice at Joe Louis Arena. Helm as been inactive since training camp after he strained the joint that connects his right shoulder to his collar bone when he tripped over a stick and went head first into the boards. Helm hasn’t taken part in any contact drills since.

“I asked him today if he was lifting like he was if he felt as strong as in the past and he said, ‘No’ … and that’s the answer right there,” said Babcock.
Helm won’t play in Thursday’s game against Chicago.