Around The Nhl

Phoenix Coyotes right wing Rick Tocchet was suspended for Wednesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, pending a hearing today for a knee-on-knee hit that will keep Edmonton Oilers left wing Ryan Smyth out 6-8 weeks.

Smyth, 21, suffered a Grade III tear of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee when hit by Tocchet on Tuesday. Smyth underwent successful surgery Wednesday.

Florida Panthers center Rob Niedermayer has undergone knee surgery and will likely be sidelined until after the Olympics next month.

Fedorov still idle

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland and Sergei Fedorov finally agree on something: The former National Hockey League most valuable player might miss the entire season before getting a new contract.

The Red Wings have played well without Fedorov, leaving Holland unconcerned about the absence of one of his top offensive players. The team’s play also has enabled Holland to stand by his contract offer, while Fedorov has raised his demands after other players signed larger agreements.