New Jersey LW Dainius Zubrus out 4-6 weeks after wrist surgery; Devils wait on Ponikarovsky

NEWARK, N.J. - New Jersey Devils left wing Dainius Zubrus has had surgery on his left wrist.

The team announced the exploratory surgery Thursday, saying Zubrus would be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks. He has missed four games since suffering the injury against the New York Rangers.

General manager Lou Lamoriello Wednesday re-acquired left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky from Winnipeg for two draft picks to add depth. Ponikarovsky signed with the Jets as a free agent, and Lamoriello admitted there was an urgency to act in the trade market because of Zubrus.

Devils coach Peter DeBoer hopes to play Ponikarovsky against Philadelphia Friday at the Prudential Center. He would not say what line he would play on. New Jersey sent forward centre Andrei Loktionov to Albany of the AHL to make roster space for Ponikarovsky.