Frans Nielsen (hand) was officially placed on IR Sunday, according to Newsday.

Nielsen (hand) was officially placed on IR Sunday, according to Newsday.

Analysis:

The move was made retroactive to Feb. 8 and Nielsen is only expected to miss another 7-10 days of action. With the loss of John Tavares for the season Nielsen could be the Isles top line center, not that it would matter much with Tavares out and Thomas Vanek soon to be traded.