Briere likely out until weekend; Laughton could stay

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NEWARK, N.J. -- Though he skated with other scratched players Tuesday at Prudential Center, Danny Briere is not expected back until this weekend.

Or maybe next week, Briere said Tuesday night.

Briere will undergo a new x-ray on Thursday to see how his left wrist (hairline fracture) is progressing,

General manager Paul Holmgren said he didnt think it was out of the question Briere plays either Saturday at Florida or Sunday at Tampa Bay.

I felt a little better again, today, Briere said. It seems every time I have been skating, I take the next step, but then there is something else that prevents me from going too hard or all out.

I really dont know how much more time I will need. We are moving in the right direction. I cant wait to get into some contract drills and get into game situations.

Its tough to tell. Its a day-to-day thing. Were not too far away. Maybe the weekend or maybe after the weekend.

Briere remains on non-rosterinjured, while Zac Rinaldo (right legskate cut) is on IR because he will miss at least a week or more.

Brieres salary remains on the cap, but he does not count against the 23-man roster limit.

Holmgren also added that because of the schedule, he intends to give some of his veteran players maintenance days.

That was in reference to defenseman Kurtis Foster, who has some bruises, but could have played if necessary Tuesday against the Devils.

Holmgren also said he has no intention of sending Scott Laughton back to his junior club right now; he thinks the 18-year-old rookie is playing beyond his years.

The Flyers have five games to make decision on him, otherwise, they burn a year of entry-level contract eligibility, even if they send him back to juniorsb.

E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net

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