The Vancouver Canucks, forced to make do without Sami Salo for a portion of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs, will probably begin this season without the defenceman.

The seven-year NHLer is out indefinitely due to a hairline fracture in his left wrist suffered while delivering a check during an intrasquad game on Sunday.

Canucks defenceman Sami Salo had 37 points in 67 regular-season games in 2006-07.
(Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press)

A torso injury took away the booming point shot of Salo, 33, in the 2007 post-season. He also spent the summer recovering from groin, back and shoulder problems.

Salo, who attended training camp Monday with his wrist in a splint, had 14 goals and 37 points in 67 games for the Canucks last season.

Luongo cleared to play

Meanwhile, the Canucks got some good news as starting goalie Roberto Luongo won't miss any time after he was struck in the throat by a slapshot from Brad Isbister during the same game, in which Salo got hurt.

"It feels sore but nothing serious," said Luongo, who doesn't wear a plastic shield at the bottom of his mask to protect his throat.

"I'm still pondering the idea," Luongo said. "I've got to see what's more important, getting hit in the neck once or twice a year or letting in a couple of goals where you can't find the puck in your feet."

Luongo practised Monday and will play in the Canucks' second preseason game Wednesday, against the Calgary Flames. He sported a red welt on his neck.

"Right now, I think I'll stick with the no plastic [shield]," said Luongo, who was hit in the throat last season, and spent a night in hospital but returned to shut out the Montreal Canadiens.

With files from the Canadian Press