Joseph Undergoes Surgery on Injured Ankle

A report in the Toronto Sun says Detroit Red Wings goaltender Curtis Joseph has undergone surgery for an ankle injury. The revelation comes as rumors about a possible trade between the Red Wings and the Boston Bruins have heated up.

The Red Wings have been looking to trade Joseph since early July, when Dominik Hasek announced his return to the Red Wings after a year of retirement. Joseph was signed by Detroit in July 2002 to replace the retiring Hasek.

With the departure of All-Star center Sergei Fedorov via free agency, the Wings have been looking to pick up a center in return for Joseph. Trade talks will likely be put on hold due to Joseph’s injury, but it is uncertain for how long.

The original Sun report stated that Joseph would be out until January, the midway point of the season. A statement released by the Red Wings denies that the injury is that bad, and says that the goaltender is expected to be able to skate in six weeks.