from Dana Wakiji of DetroitRedWings.com,

Thomas Vanek was about to go on the ice for the morning skate but returned to the dressing room.

Blashill said Vanek would miss the Sharks game with a mid-body injury.

He also said rookie Michael Rasmussen remains out tonight.

However, veteran defenseman Jonathan Ericsson will return to the lineup after missing five games with a lower-body injury.

"Johnny feels pretty good," Blashill said. "I think his wind is the only thing that's not quite there, but his legs have felt pretty good, he's been able to skate a decent amount, he feels like he's totally ready to go. There was a chance we maybe would push him for Saturday, but he wasn't quite ready. Had a little setback on Friday but he feels much better here the last few days. So hopefully he's ready to go and when he's at his best he's strong in his own end, he's physical, he plays against big men, defends well, moves his feet and passes the puck."

The Wings called up defenseman Dylan McIlrath Sunday to take the place of Libor Sulak, who was not able to play due to illness.

Blashill said McIlrath will play. During the morning skate, he and Ericsson were a pair.

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