Ilya Mikheyev Suffers Setback + More On Canucks Injury Situation

The Vancouver Canucks got some bad news on the injury front on Saturday, when it was learned that the return of top-six forward Ilya Mikheyev has been delayed yet again, as he's suffered a setback.

Per Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver Province:

Ilya Mikheyev was back in a non-contact jersey on Friday after having been skating in a regular jersey since Sunday. Tocchet said earlier this week that Mikheyev might be ready for Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia, but with this apparent step back in readiness you have to wonder if that’s still a possibility. 

Mikheyev's agent has obviously noticed a frustration around the team and its followers, as he sent out a message earlier in the week calling for patience.

But the bad news on the Canucks' injury front doesn't end there. 

Johnston also reports that head coach Rick Tocchet says the team has downgraded centre Teddy Blueger to week-to-week. The "bruised knee" he was thought to have sufffered at the end of preseason is obviously a bit more serious than that.

The only bright note from the infirmary for Vancouver is that defenseman Carson Soucy is at least travelling with the team on their five-game, 12-day road trip that begins Saturday night in Edmonton. He was still wearing a red non-contact jersey on Friday, but Tocchet says he is making progress, and shouldn't be considered week-to-week any longer. 

Photo: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports