"Brian Campbell's blazing speed on the ice makes him one of the NHL's top defensemen, so his first knee injury has him in unfamiliar territory.

After suffering a sprained MCL in his right knee Friday night that is expected to sideline him four to five weeks, Campbell will have to adjust to a new piece of equipment when he returns.

"I'll probably wear a brace, so that's going to be interesting to get used to," said Campbell, who underwent an MRI on Saturday. "I've got that in the back of my mind, so I'll see how that's going to affect me. It'll be different the first couple of times, so I'll have to get used to it quick."

The injury occurred as Campbell was checked along the boards by the Penguins' Eric Tangradi and will cause him to miss the season opener Thursday against the Avalanche in Denver. While disappointed, Campbell is relieved surgery isn't required.

"It looks good, no other damage, (and I) should be 100 percent and ready to go," Campbell said. "It's going to be tough missing the start of the season. I'm pretty disappointed in that, (but) I'll be pulling for the boys and getting back as soon as I can."