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[October 09, 2014]  Oct 8 (The Sports Xchange) - Chicago Blackhawks veteran forward Kris Versteeg will be sidelined for the first three weeks of the season with a lower body injury.

Coach Joel Quenneville said Versteeg was hurt during practice Tuesday but that the injury won't require surgery. It's uncertain whether Versteeg might end up on long-term injured reserve.

Coming back from a serious knee injury that occurred during the 2012-13 season, Versteeg struggled last year. He had 12 goals and 36 points in 81 games for the Blackhawks and Florida Panthers.

Ben Smith is a likely replacement for Versteeg in the Blackhawks' season opener on Thursday against the Stars in Dallas.

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Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky underwent surgery Wednesday to repair an abdominal injury and is expected to be sidelined approximately six weeks.

Coach Todd Richards said Tuesday that Dubinsky was placed on injured reserve with a lower body injury. He was injured during practice Monday.

Dubinsky, 28, tallied 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points with 98 penalty minutes in 76 games with Columbus in 2013-14.

He has collected 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points and 174 penalty minutes in 105 games since joining the club prior to the 2012-13 season.

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The Tampa Bay Lightning placed former second-round draft pick Richard Panik on waivers Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Panik played in 50 games for the Lightning last season and had three goals and 13 points. He also appeared in two playoff games against the Montreal Canadiens in the opening-round series. (Editing by Larry Fine) ))

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