Leclerc Will Miss Three to Four Weeks

Mike Leclerc will miss at least three to four weeks, according to Mighty Duck officials, after having arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to repair a torn lateral meniscus and have cartilage removed in his left knee.

Leclerc, fifth in scoring with 11 points this season, will miss at least 10 games. He has offensive skills, with two goals and 11 points this season, and is a physical presence.

“When you lose a top-six forward you can’t replace him,” General Manager Bryan Murray said. “You hope that guys like Patric [Kjellberg] will play responsibly, but you are not going to get as much scoring.”

The Ducks will not call up a player from Cincinnati, especially since center Adam Oates (broken left hand) could return in a week to 10 days. The only minor league player the Ducks would consider is Jonathan Hedstrom, who is out at least two more weeks after getting hit in the eye with a stick.

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Duck defenseman Kurt Sauer picked up his first NHL point with a second-period assist on Cullen’s goal Tuesday.... The Rangers’ Eric Lindros scored in the first period Tuesday, ending a 15-game goal-less streak.... The Ducks are 7-0-1-2 in their last 10 games against the Rangers.

-- Chris Foster