Devils' Volchenkov hurt in KHL action; out 4-6 weeks

New Jersey Devils' defenceman Anton Volchenkov will be out for the next 4-6 weeks after fracturing his ankle in KHL action, according to a report from Tom Gulitti of The Bergen Record.

Volchenkov fractured his ankle while playing with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL. Devils' GM Lou Lamiorello spoke to Volchenkov's agent about the injury who confirmed that he is expected to miss an extended period of time. Should the NHL return to action prior to Volchenkov being medically cleared to play, the Devils would be free to suspend the defenceman without pay until he is ready to return to the lineup.

The 30 year old has had difficulty staying healthy since joining the Devils in 2010, playing 57 games in 2010-11 and 72 in 2011-12 before playing 24 games for New Jersey during their run to the Stanley Cup final against the Los Angeles Kings. His injury with Torpedo came just three games into his KHL season.