By IHM Team | IHM News | November 6, 2025
NHL Status Report: Key Injuries and Returns Around the League
Jarry sidelined for Penguins, Laughton debuts for Leafs, Sandin returns in Capitals blowout
PITTSBURGH, TORONTO, WASHINGTON, SAN JOSE, VANCOUVER, BUFFALO, CAROLINA, ANAHEIM, DETROIT - The NHL’s mid-week medical chart reads like a playoff war list. Contenders are juggling goaltending crises, blue-line returns, and critical injury timelines as November unfolds.
🏒 Pittsburgh Penguins
Tristan Jarry will miss at least three weeks with a lower-body injury after leaving Monday’s 4-3 loss to Toronto. The 28-year-old was 5-2-0 with a 2.60 GAA and .911 SV% in seven starts. Forward Justin Brazeau (upper body) is out a minimum of four weeks, and Noel Acciari (upper body) joins the list for at least three. The Penguins recalled Danton Heinen, Ryan Graves, and goalie Sergei Murashov from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They’ll try to patch the lineup before hosting Washington on Thursday.
🍁 Toronto Maple Leafs
Scott Laughton made his season debut after coming off IR, logging 10:57 TOI in a 5-3 win over Utah. Easton Cowan was reassigned to the AHL. Head coach Craig Berube said Joseph Woll is close to returning after a personal leave that began in September - a potential stabilizer for Toronto’s rotation in goal.
🦅 Washington Capitals
Rasmus Sandin returned after missing five games, contributing an assist in the 6-1 rout of St. Louis. However, Pierre-Luc Dubois (lower body) remains out long-term, re-aggravating an injury in Friday’s loss to the Islanders. Coach Spencer Carbery expects him back before season’s end, calling it “an extended absence, not season-ending.”
🦈 San Jose Sharks
Rookie Michael Misa (No. 2 pick, 2025 Draft) missed Wednesday’s game in Seattle after leaving the morning skate with a lower-body issue. Adam Gaudette returned after a four-game absence and slotted alongside Philipp Kurashev and Alexander Wennberg. Misa has three points in seven appearances - the club remains cautious with his workload.
🐻 Vancouver Canucks
Conor Garland returned to action after three games out with an undisclosed injury. Vancouver’s depth scoring remains intact heading into the weekend stretch.
🦬 Buffalo Sabres
Tyson Kozak could rejoin the lineup Thursday versus St. Louis after six games out. Mattias Samuelsson was rested from practice but is expected to play. Josh Norris continues skating individually yet isn’t close to full clearance. Jiri Kulich (ear issue) and Jason Zucker (illness, IR) both missed the last game. Coach Lindy Ruff said Norris “is feeling better, just not great yet.”
🌪 Carolina Hurricanes
Defenseman K’Andre Miller is targeting a Thursday return against Minnesota after missing six games with a lower-body injury. Coach Rod Brind’Amour said the final call will come after morning skate.
🦆 Anaheim Ducks
Veteran Ryan Strome (upper body) joined the team skate for the first time this season but remains on IR, having missed all 12 games so far. He will travel with Anaheim for the upcoming two-game road trip through Dallas and Vegas.
🐙 Detroit Red Wings
Patrick Kane may resume practice Thursday. He’s been sidelined nine games since crashing into the boards on Oct. 17 versus Tampa Bay. Coach Todd McLellan said, “There’s a real good chance he skates with us Thursday - we’ll see from there.”
Coach Mark comment
The league’s depth is being tested early. Pittsburgh’s goaltending gap alters their defensive tempo; Washington regains key puck movers but loses center control; and teams like Buffalo and Carolina juggle chemistry amid returns. November is when roster management defines playoff shape - the clubs that survive this wave will be sharper by Christmas.