Stephen Weiss (shoulder) is expected to return to the Red Wings lineup before Christmas, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Weiss (shoulder) is expected to return to the Red Wings lineup before Christmas, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis:

The Red Wings probably won't have a firmer target date for Weiss' return until he starts practicing with the team, but fortunately, it seems that the team is ruling out an absence of more than a month for the forward. Weiss' two-year stint in Detroit has largely been a tumultuous one due to his repeated setbacks on the health front, but he has been outstanding in the 11 games he's suited up for this season, netting four goals and 10 points.