GM Paul Holgren talks injuries and Roster spots

Holmgren on Pronger: hopes to have him ready for Thursday's season opener versus the Pens. He will skate either sunday or monday (in practice).

On Guerin: it's either yay or nay, to roll the dice or not and go to one of the young guys. Guerin is out with an infected elbow right now.

On Backlund: he will play tomorrow, when asked if healthy enough homer quickly replied yes.

On Briere: Infected tonsil will be ready for season.

On Bourdon and Gustafsson: more excited about their future than their current chance to make roster.

This leads into who's safe and who's battling.

Safe:
Center: Carter Richards Betts Giroux Briere
Winger: JvR Leino Hartnell Zherdev Lappy
Defense: Pronger, timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros, O'Donnell

Battling:
Center: Powe
Winger: Carcillo, Guerin
Defense: Walker, Bartulis
Goalies: Bobrovsky, Backlund, Boucher

Injury Report:
Betts - (Shoulder) reported to be out all of first month, could change as he played Wednesday.
Leino - (Hip) indefinate, could miss a few games. Also played on Wednesday.
Laperriere - (Post-concussive Syndrome) indefinate, PCS could keep him out for a while.
Pronger - (Foot) could skate as soon as Sunday, chance of being ready for opener.
Backlund - (Hip) will play on Friday, should be ready for season barring a re-injury.
Guerin - (Elbow) could miss rest of preseason, unknown if he will be signed.