Gophers coach Don Lucia said Wednesday that things do not look well for Zach Budish, the right winger on the team's second line.

Budish injured his right knee in a moped accident on Monday. Lucia said Budish could either try to rehabilitate the knee and hope it improves enough so he could play by December sometime, or he could have surgery, apply for an extra season based on medical hardship and be ready to play next season.

Lucia said it is Budish's decision but, if Budish were his son, he would advise him to have surgery now.

Budish declined to say exactly what is wrong with his right knee, but several sources close to him have said he is a torn anterior cruciate ligament. It's uncertain if the ACL is partially torn or completely torn.

ANOTHER CASE OF MONO

Besides Budish, another Gophers players also will be unexpectly out this weekend against Wisconsin. Jack Parenteau, a 21-year-old freshman defenseman, has mononucleosis. Lucia heard that news around noon Wednesday.

Parenteau had not played in the Gophers' first five games, but since then has played well in several games.

With him out, the Gophers are down to seven healthy defensemen.

He is the second player on the team to be diagnosed with mono. Freshman center Nick Bjugstad learned he has mono Oct. 23 and has missed the past three games. Bjugstad is expected to return for the road series at Michigan Tech Nov. 19-20.

Parenteau, based on how long Bjugstad is expected to be out this year and how long Mike Hoeffel missed last season, also could be out a month. If that's so, Parenteau would miss six games and return for the road series at Minnesota State Mankato on Dec. 3-4.