Keith Ballard Out Three to Four Weeks

February 9 2011 Last updated at 04:19 PM ET

VANCOUVER ? The Vancouver Canucks have received some better-than-expected news on injured defenseman Keith Ballard.

The 28-year-old, Baudette, Minn., native is expected to miss three to four weeks with a strained knee.

"I was told (Tuesday) night by (head medical trainer Mike Burnstein) that the MRI showed a mild strain and we're looking at around four weeks," said Canucks coach Alain Vigneault. "Considering what we saw when you look at the replay, it could have been a lot worse. We're pretty pleased that it's just that."

It was initially feared that he would be out much longer after he was hauled down Monday night by Milan Michalek of the Ottawa Senators. But it turns out the MRI was revealing than a gruesome photo and video of Ballard writhing in pain after he was hauled down Monday.

Ballard's knee twisted back awkwardly as he tangled with Michalek behind the play. Vancouver general manager has called the play illegal.

Meanwhile, defenseman Sami Salo was on his way back to Vancouver on Wednesday after completing a three-game conditioning stint with Manitoba of the AHL. Salo has not played in the NHL since last spring.

He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in July while playing a form of floor hockey in his native Finland and had been working out with the Canucks for more than a month before being sent down. Salo is expected to play Saturday against the visiting Calgary Flames.

At one point, it was felt that his return would force Gillis to make a significant trade to keep the Canucks under the salary cap.

However, injuries to Ballard and Alexander Edler, who is likely out until at least the playoffs while recuperating from back surgery, have eased the financial pressures. Gillis can now keep all of his defensemen if he wants to, but risks losing Salo, Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff to unrestricted free agency in the summer.

rei