Andreas Lilja (3) had an appendectomy on Tuesday. (Chris Carlson/Associated Press)Detroit Red Wings defenceman Andreas Lilja underwent an appendectomy Tuesday morning, but he could return to the lineup as soon as Friday.
Lilja, 33, had the surgical procedure performed at the Detroit Medical Center.
The Swedish veteran has yet to register a point in five games this season, his fourth with the Red Wings.
Lilja has totalled 12 goals and 47 assists for 59 points with 433 penalty minutes in 403 games over eight NHL seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers and Red Wings.
He was drafted in the second round (54th overall) by Los Angeles in 2000.
Detroit welcomes the Atlanta Thrashers to Joe Louis Arena on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET).
With files from the Associated Press
