Tag: Status report

IHM NHL News: Sanderson set for Senators opener in NHL updates

Sanderson set for Senators opener in NHL updates

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jake Sanderson will play for the Ottawa Senators in their season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a precautionary absence following a pre-season game.

The defenceman left Ottawa’s game on Sept. 26 for precautionary reasons and was held out of practice before returning on Friday. His availability gives the Senators one of their key blue-line players for the opening fixture.

Elsewhere in the latest NHL lineup and injury updates, Andrei Kuzmenko is due to make his Pittsburgh Penguins debut against the Montreal Canadiens after returning to the team following the death of his father. Mackie Samoskevich has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to debut for the Seattle Kraken against the Edmonton Oilers. New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, however, is progressing without yet skating after aggravating a prior injury.

Key Facts

  • Jake Sanderson will play for the Senators against the Maple Leafs in Ottawa’s season opener.
  • Sanderson left a pre-season game on Sept. 26 for precautionary reasons, was held out of practice, and returned on Friday.
  • Senators forward Warren Foegele, listed with an undisclosed issue, will also play against Toronto.
  • Ottawa defenceman Artem Zub, who has a knee injury, and forward Andre Burakovsky, who has an upper-body injury, skated in non-contact jerseys on Friday.
  • Andrei Kuzmenko will make his Penguins debut against the Canadiens after returning to practice on Friday.
  • Kuzmenko left Pittsburgh on Sept. 24 and travelled to Russia following the death of his father, a respected hockey coach.
  • Pittsburgh opened its regular season with a 7-0 win against the Philadelphia Flyers.
  • Penguins forward Blake Lizotte, who missed the regular-season opener with a lower-body injury, took part in an optional skate and said he is available to play.
  • Seattle activated Mackie Samoskevich from injured reserve; he is expected to make his Kraken debut against Edmonton after missing the season-opening 6-1 win at Calgary with an upper-body injury.
  • Samoskevich joined Seattle in a trade with the Florida Panthers on June 21.
  • Kraken forward Jacob Melanson has been placed on injured reserve and is week to week with an upper-body injury after playing 9:31 against Calgary.
  • Mathew Barzal is progressing but has not resumed skating for the Islanders after missing training camp and the season-opening 2-1 loss at Toronto.

IHM Discussion

Sanderson’s return is the clearest immediate positive for Ottawa. The Senators had treated his absence conservatively after the Sept. 26 pre-season exit, holding him out of practice before allowing him to return. The important fact is not simply that he practised again, but that he is now confirmed to play in the opener.

Ottawa will still begin with two players limited to non-contact work. Zub and Burakovsky skated on Friday, which marks activity rather than clearance for game action. Foegele’s availability adds another confirmed option up front, but the club’s injury picture remains mixed beyond the players named to play.

Pittsburgh’s update carries a significant personal context. Kuzmenko has returned after leaving the team to mourn his father. He said he was happy to be back in Pittsburgh, had missed hockey and wanted to return to work. His debut comes after the Penguins’ 7-0 opening win against Philadelphia, while Lizotte has indicated that he feels well enough to be available after missing that game. Ben Kindel, meanwhile, did not practise after taking part in full contact over the previous two days because of a lower-body injury.

Seattle has one player returning and another moving onto injured reserve. Samoskevich missed the 6-1 victory at Calgary with an upper-body injury but has been activated and is expected to play at Edmonton. Melanson’s week-to-week designation is less encouraging, particularly as he had already appeared against the Flames and logged 9:31.

For the Islanders, Barzal’s status remains a matter of recovery rather than an immediate lineup decision. He missed camp after aggravating a prior injury and was absent for the 2-1 loss in Toronto. New York expects him to skate by the end of next week, but he has not yet reached that stage.

Why It Matters

Opening-night availability matters because early-season lineup decisions are often shaped by who is fully cleared rather than who is merely progressing. Ottawa have confirmation on Sanderson and Foegele, while Zub and Burakovsky remain limited in non-contact jerseys.

For Pittsburgh, Kuzmenko’s return restores a forward who is ready to make his first appearance for the club, but the update should be viewed with appropriate perspective after his bereavement leave. Seattle receive a possible new option in Samoskevich after activating him from injured reserve, while Melanson’s placement on injured reserve removes a player who had already featured in the opener.

Barzal’s absence is especially notable for New York given his production last season. He led the Islanders with 72 points, made up of 19 goals and 53 assists, in 81 games.

Mini Q&A

Will Jake Sanderson play in the Senators’ season opener?

Yes. Sanderson will play against the Toronto Maple Leafs after returning to practice on Friday following a precautionary absence.

Why did Andrei Kuzmenko leave the Penguins?

Kuzmenko left Pittsburgh on Sept. 24 and travelled to Russia after his father died on a fishing trip. He returned to practice on Friday and will make his Penguins debut against Montreal.

When could Mathew Barzal return to the ice?

Barzal is progressing but is not yet skating. The Islanders expect him to skate by the end of next week.

Coach Mark Comment

The practical distinction in these updates is between participation and clearance. Sanderson has moved through the full sequence from precautionary removal to a return to practice and a confirmed place in the opener. Zub and Burakovsky have not reached that point: non-contact work is a useful step, but it does not establish game readiness.

Seattle’s handling of Samoskevich is similarly clear. Activation from injured reserve and an expected debut indicate an immediate opportunity, whereas Melanson’s week-to-week status requires the Kraken to manage without him. For coaches, the opening priority is usually to avoid asking returning players to solve every problem at once; clear roles and controlled usage are the sensible starting point when a player has recently been unavailable.

What Comes Next

Ottawa’s opener against Toronto will provide the next confirmed checkpoint for Sanderson and Foegele, while Zub and Burakovsky remain in non-contact jerseys. Kuzmenko is set to make his Pittsburgh debut against Montreal, and Samoskevich is expected to play his first game for Seattle at Edmonton. The Islanders expect Barzal to resume skating by the end of next week.

IHM Final View

Sanderson’s confirmed availability gives Ottawa a settled answer ahead of its opener after a short precautionary interruption. Across the league, the updates range from expected debuts for Kuzmenko and Samoskevich to more cautious injury management for Melanson and Barzal. The central distinction is clarity: some players are ready to play, while others are still progressing through recovery.

IHM NHL News: Luukkonen Expected to Start Sabres Season Opener

Luukkonen Expected to Start Sabres Season Opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start the Buffalo Sabres’ season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday after dealing with a lower-body injury sustained in a pre-season game on Sept. 26.

The goaltender’s availability is the clearest positive in a busy set of early-season updates around the NHL. Buffalo still has questions on defence, where Olen Zellweger will not play on Thursday while he remains in concussion protocol, and Mattias Samuelsson is only a possible option after returning to practice.

Elsewhere, Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Mangiapane will miss at least two games after leaving the 5-2 opening-night loss to the Vegas Golden Knights with a lower-body injury. Ottawa Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson remains uncertain for Saturday’s opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, while New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal could resume skating this weekend after missing training camp.

Key Facts

  • Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is expected to start for Buffalo against Columbus on Thursday after tweaking a lower-body injury in a pre-season game on Sept. 26.
  • Sabres defenceman Olen Zellweger will miss Thursday’s game and has been in concussion protocol since Sept. 22.
  • Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff did not rule Zellweger out for Saturday’s game against Chicago.
  • Mattias Samuelsson practised on Wednesday after a lower-body injury suffered when he blocked a shot in a Sept. 22 pre-season game. Ruff said he was hopefully an option for Thursday.
  • Andrew Mangiapane will miss at least Chicago’s next two games after suffering a lower-body injury in the second period against Vegas.
  • Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said Mangiapane would not play on the current trip, which includes games at Utah and Buffalo.
  • Jake Sanderson skated on his own before Ottawa practice but did not take part in the full session after not feeling right.
  • Senators general manager Steve Staios said Artem Zub, who is recovering from a lingering knee injury, remains on schedule to return early in the season.
  • Andre Burakovsky has not skated since leaving Ottawa’s pre-season game against Montreal with an upper-body injury, and Travis Green does not expect him to play this weekend.
  • Mathew Barzal will not play in the Islanders’ opener against Toronto, but Mathieu Darche said he could return to the ice by the weekend or early next week.
  • Barzal led the Islanders with 72 points, including 19 goals and 53 assists, in 81 games last season.

IHM Discussion

Luukkonen’s expected start gives Buffalo a defined answer at the most scrutinised position for an opener, even as the club continues to assess its blue-line availability. His lower-body issue followed a pre-season appearance only days ago, but the stated expectation is that he will be ready to take the crease against Columbus.

That does not remove Buffalo’s defensive uncertainty. Zellweger is unavailable while in concussion protocol, and Samuelsson’s status remains conditional despite his Wednesday practice. The distinction matters: Zellweger has already been ruled out for Thursday, whereas Samuelsson has progressed to being considered an option. Ruff also left open the possibility of Zellweger being available against Chicago on Saturday, without giving a firm return date.

Chicago’s update is more definitive in the short term. Mangiapane took one shift in the second period of the loss in Vegas before exiting, and Blashill has ruled him out for the remainder of the trip. The Blackhawks therefore know he will not feature in either of their next two games, though the length of his absence beyond that has not been established.

Ottawa and New York are operating with different degrees of uncertainty. Sanderson’s individual skate is a sign that he was on the ice, but he did not join the full practice after not feeling right and remains uncertain for Saturday. Barzal travelled with the Islanders despite missing camp after aggravating a prior injury that caused inflammation. Darche’s update places the immediate checkpoint at a return to skating rather than a confirmed game return.

Why It Matters

Opening-week availability shapes preparation even when no long-term prognosis has been supplied. For Buffalo, Luukkonen’s expected start settles the immediate goaltending question, while the club still has to navigate the absence of Zellweger and assess Samuelsson’s readiness.

Chicago has a confirmed short-term absence in Mangiapane, who is unavailable for two road games before the Blackhawks’ home opener against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 6. Ottawa’s defensive picture bears watching because Sanderson has not yet returned to full practice, while Zub’s timetable remains early in the season rather than immediate.

For the Islanders, Barzal’s return to the ice is the meaningful next medical milestone. He was New York’s leading scorer last season, and the club has already ruled him out of the opener in Toronto.

Mini Q&A

Will Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen start Buffalo’s season opener?

He is expected to start against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday after dealing with a lower-body injury suffered in a Sept. 26 pre-season game.

Which Sabres defencemen are unavailable or uncertain?

Olen Zellweger will not play on Thursday while in concussion protocol. Mattias Samuelsson practised on Wednesday and is a possible option after his lower-body injury, but his availability has not been confirmed.

How long will Andrew Mangiapane be out for Chicago?

Mangiapane will miss at least the Blackhawks’ next two games. Jeff Blashill said he will not play on the current road trip, with no longer-term timetable provided.

When could Mathew Barzal return to the ice?

Mathieu Darche said Barzal could be back on the ice by the weekend or early next week. He will not play in the Islanders’ opener against Toronto.

Coach Mark Comment

Buffalo’s update is a useful example of why availability should be separated from readiness. Luukkonen is expected to start, which provides a clear opening-night answer in goal. On defence, however, the information is more layered: Zellweger is ruled out, while Samuelsson has practised but remains only a possible option. Those are materially different stages of preparation, and the Sabres will need to manage them accordingly rather than treating every player who has returned to the ice as fully available.

What Comes Next

The immediate checkpoints are Buffalo’s game against Columbus on Thursday and its game against Chicago on Saturday, when Zellweger has not been ruled out. Chicago will play at Utah on Thursday and at Buffalo on Saturday without Mangiapane, before its home opener against St. Louis on Oct. 6. Ottawa’s next stated decision point is Saturday’s opener against Toronto, while Barzal could return to the ice for the Islanders this weekend or early next week.

IHM Final View

The central development is that Luukkonen is expected to be ready for Buffalo’s opener despite the recent lower-body concern. Around the league, the updates are more cautious: Mangiapane has a defined two-game absence, Zellweger is unavailable, and Sanderson and Barzal remain without confirmed game-return dates. The next practices and opening-week line-up decisions will provide the clearest indication of how quickly those situations are moving.

IHM NHL News: Patrick Kane to make Blackhawks pre-season debut vs Blues

Patrick Kane to make Blackhawks pre-season debut vs Blues

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Patrick Kane will make his pre-season debut for the Chicago Blackhawks at the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, likely his only appearance before the regular season. Coach Jeff Blashill said Chicago could hold Kane out of its final pre-season game against St. Louis on Saturday, allowing him to make his home debut on Oct. 6.

Key Facts

  • Patrick Kane will make his pre-season debut for the Blackhawks at the St. Louis Blues on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; CHSN) and that likely will be his only appearance prior to the start of the regular season.
  • Coach Jeff Blashill said there ” might be something like that” about holding Kane out of Chicago’s final pre-season home game so he could make his home debut Oct. 6 against St. Louis.
  • Kane is in his second stint with Chicago after signing a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) on July 23.
  • Kane was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft and helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup three times (2010, 2013, 2015) during his 16 seasons with them (2007-23).
  • Chicago plays its regular-season opener at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.

IHM Discussion

The Blackhawks are set to give Patrick Kane a measured pre-season introduction, with Thursday’s game in St. Louis likely to be his only exhibition appearance before the regular season. Blashill left open the possibility of resting Kane for Saturday’s home pre-season finale against the Blues, which would set up an Oct. 6 home debut.

Kane’s return comes in his second stint with Chicago after he signed a two-year, $16 million contract carrying an $8 million average annual value on July 23. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups during his first 16 seasons with the club.

Why It Matters

Thursday gives Kane an opportunity to get pre-season game action before Chicago opens its regular season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29. The decision on Saturday’s finale will also determine whether his next appearance is the potential Oct. 6 home debut against St. Louis.

Mini Q&A

Will Patrick Kane play more than one pre-season game?

The Blackhawks expect Kane’s appearance at St. Louis on Thursday to likely be his only pre-season game prior to the regular season; coach Jeff Blashill said there ” might be something like that” about holding him out of the final home pre-season game so he’d make his home debut Oct. 6.

Coach Mark Comment

For a veteran entering a new stint with a club, one pre-season game can provide a useful game-speed check before the regular season. The priority is how he moves and responds in competitive shifts, rather than piling up exhibition minutes.

What Comes Next

Kane is scheduled to make his pre-season debut in St. Louis on Thursday. Chicago then hosts the Blues on Saturday before opening the regular season at Vegas on Sept. 29; Kane could make his home debut against St. Louis on Oct. 6.

IHM Final View

Kane’s pre-season debut is the clear focus for Chicago. With his appearance in St. Louis likely to be his only exhibition game, the Blackhawks are positioning him for the start of the regular season and a possible home debut on Oct. 6.

Ovechkin day-to-day with lower-body injury, pre-season uncertain

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Alex Ovechkin may not play in the pre-season because of a lower-body injury. The 41-year-old Washington Capitals left wing missed practice Monday for a second straight day and is day to day as he begins his 22nd NHL season. Ovechkin has been practising with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in training camp, while coach Spencer Carbery said he expects a clearer update after two practice days.

Key Facts

  • Alex Ovechkin may not play in the pre-season because of a lower-body injury.
  • The 41-year-old left wing did not practice Monday for the second straight day and is day to day.
  • Ovechkin has been practising on a line with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in training camp.
  • Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said: ” Right now, we’ll see how it goes this week. We’ll be off tomorrow and then we’ll come back and have two practice days, so I’ll be able to give you a more accurate update (after that) on when we see him play and how many games.”
  • After playing the Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on Monday, Washington will have two pre-season games remaining: at home against the Boston Bruins on Friday and at Philadelphia on Saturday.

IHM Discussion

Washington are taking a cautious approach with Alex Ovechkin after the veteran missed consecutive practices with a lower-body injury. There is no timetable beyond his day-to-day designation, and Spencer Carbery was not ready to say whether he will play in the pre-season.

Ovechkin had been skating with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in camp, so his absence limits the time that group can spend together before the season. Carbery said Washington will have two practice days before he can offer a more accurate update on Ovechkin’s availability and potential pre-season workload.

Why It Matters

Ovechkin’s availability matters because Washington have been using him alongside Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard in camp. Any missed practice or pre-season time reduces opportunities to assess that combination in game conditions, though Carbery has not set a timeline for his return.

Mini Q&A

What is Alex Ovechkin’s injury status?

Alex Ovechkin is day to day with a lower-body injury and did not practice Monday for the second straight day; the Capitals said he may not play in the pre-season.

How old is Ovechkin and what season is he beginning?

Ovechkin is 41 years old and is beginning his 22nd NHL season.

Which line had Ovechkin been practising on in camp?

Ovechkin had been practising on a line with Dylan Strome and Ryan Leonard.

What did Capitals coach Spencer Carbery say about Ovechkin’s availability?

Carbery said: ” Right now, we’ll see how it goes this week. We’ll be off tomorrow and then we’ll come back and have two practice days, so I’ll be able to give you a more accurate update (after that) on when we see him play and how many games.”

What are the Capitals’ remaining pre-season games mentioned in the report?

After playing the Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey on Monday, Washington will have two pre-season games remaining: at home against the Boston Bruins on Friday and at Philadelphia on Saturday.

Coach Mark Comment

The sensible camp approach is to avoid forcing a veteran into exhibition action before he is ready. Washington can continue to evaluate other combinations while monitoring whether Ovechkin is able to resume practice.

What Comes Next

Carbery expects to provide a more accurate update after Washington’s two practice days. – Washington’s remaining pre-season games are at home against the Boston Bruins on Friday and at Philadelphia on Saturday.

IHM Final View

Ovechkin’s status remains uncertain rather than alarming: he is day to day with a lower-body injury after missing two practices, and Carbery has not committed to him playing in the pre-season. Washington expect to know more after two practice days.

Cale Makar unlikely to be ready for Avalanche’s first day of camp

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar may not be ready for the club’s first on-ice session Thursday as he is managing a lower-body injury. Coach Jared Bednar said Makar” has been on the ice” but is” on a little bit of a lighter program” and that ” Whether he’s ready to go Day 1 of training camp is probably unlikely.” Bednar added the issue is new, not related to the upper-body injury that cost Makar two playoff games last season.

Key Facts

  • Cale Makar is dealing with a lower-body injury and may miss the Avalanche’s first on-ice session Thursday.
  • Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said Makar” has been on the ice” but is on ” a little bit of a lighter program” than most players entering main camp.
  • Bednar said ” Whether he’s ready to go Day 1 of training camp is probably unlikely” and added the issue is not related to the upper-body injury Makar had in last season’s playoffs.
  • Makar had 79 points last season (20 goals, 59 assists) and averaged 24:51 of ice time in 75 regular-season games.
  • Makar was a finalist for the Norris Trophy last season.
  • Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract Aug. 28 that begins next season.
  • Makar missed two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season because of an upper-body injury.

IHM Discussion

This is a cautious, short-term availability update rather than confirmation of a sustained absence. Bednar said Makar has been on the ice but is following a lighter programme, and described the lower-body issue as new and unrelated to the upper-body injury that cost him two playoff games last season.

Makar’s absence on the first day of camp appears likely, but Bednar said he expects the defenceman to be full go at some point during camp. For now, Colorado can take a gradual approach while monitoring his readiness.

Why It Matters

Makar’s 79 points and 24:51 average ice time underline his importance to Colorado’s blue line. Even a brief delay matters at training camp, when teams begin establishing conditioning, pairings and special-teams work. The Avalanche will want him ready without rushing a new lower-body issue.

Mini Q&A

Will Cale Makar be at the Avalanche’s first on-ice session?

Coach Jared Bednar said Makar” has been on the ice” but is on a lighter program and that ” Whether he’s ready to go Day 1 of training camp is probably unlikely.”

Is this injury related to the one Makar had in the playoffs?

Bednar said the current lower-body issue is not related to the upper-body injury Makar suffered in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.

How productive was Makar last season?

Makar had 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and averaged 24:51 of ice time in 75 regular-season games, and he was a finalist for the Norris Trophy.

What is the status of Makar’s contract?

Makar signed an eight-year, $163.2 million contract Aug. 28 that begins next season.

Coach Mark Comment

A lighter early-camp workload is a sensible way to assess a player’s readiness without making one missed session a larger issue than it is. The key is building his workload steadily once he is ready to take part fully.

NHL Status Report: Key Injuries and Returns Around the League | IHM News

NHL Status Report: Key Injuries and Returns Around the League | IHM News

NHL Status Report: McAvoy facing surgery decision, Neighbours and Benn nearing returns

Date: November 18, 2025 – Author: IHM News

A busy Monday around the League brought a wave of medical updates, ranging from a potential surgery for Boston Bruins No. 1 defenseman Charlie McAvoy to encouraging news on Jake Neighbours in St. Louis and captain Jamie Benn in Dallas. Depth pieces are moving in and out of lineups, long-term injured reserve lists are being reshaped and several contenders are waiting on star forwards like Auston Matthews and Jeff Skinner. Here is the latest IHM status check on some of the NHL’s most important situations.

Boston Bruins: McAvoy’s status still unclear

Boston Bruins: McAvoy’s status still unclear

Charlie McAvoy met with doctors again on Monday after taking a puck to the face midway through the second period of Boston’s 3-2 road win against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Coach Marco Sturm said there is still a possibility the defenseman will require surgery and confirmed there is no clear timeline for his return. McAvoy was ruled out for Monday’s home game against the Washington Capitals, leaving a major hole on Boston’s top pair and first power-play unit.

The Bruins also reshuffled their forward group. Viktor Arvidsson (undisclosed) and Casey Mittelstadt (lower body) were placed on injured reserve, prompting recalls of Matej Blumel and Riley Tufte from Providence of the American Hockey League. On the back end, Jordan Harris (ankle surgery) was moved to long-term injured reserve after missing action since Oct. 21, and forward John Beecher was placed on waivers with the intention of joining Providence.

Dallas Stars: Benn closing in on season debut

The Stars also made several cap-related moves. Forwards Matt Duchene (undisclosed) and Adam Erne (lower body) were placed on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Oct. 18 and Nov. 11 respectively. On defense, Thomas Harley is considered week to week with a lower-body injury after missing Saturday’s 5-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers. Harley had logged 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 18 games and was one of Dallas’ primary puck-moving options before getting hurt.

Jamie Benn could make his first appearance of the season this week when the Stars host the New York Islanders on Tuesday. The captain has been sidelined with a punctured lung but has resumed skating and is inching closer to full contact clearance. Dallas is being cautious but likes the way Benn has responded to increased workload in recent practices.

St. Louis Blues: Neighbours ahead of schedule

Jake Neighbours will join the Blues on their upcoming five-game road trip, which begins Tuesday at the Toronto Maple Leafs. The winger injured his right leg during a 6-4 loss at the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 25 and originally was expected to miss at least five weeks. Coach Jim Montgomery now believes Neighbours is tracking slightly ahead of that schedule, noting that the forward could return at some point during the trip, just not in the opener.

Before the injury, Neighbours was one of St. Louis’ most efficient finishers with seven points (six goals, one assist) in eight games. His net-front presence on the power play and ability to win board battles at five-on-five have been difficult to replace, so any acceleration in his timeline is a major boost for the Blues’ top-six plans.

New Jersey Devils: blue line and wings getting healthier

The Devils received positive news on multiple fronts Monday. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forwards Evgenii Dadonov and Connor Brown all practiced and will travel for New Jersey’s three-game road trip that opens Tuesday at the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hamilton has been out with a lower-body issue since a 4-3 overtime win against Montreal on Nov. 6, removing a major weapon from the point on the power play.

Dadonov has not played since fracturing his hand in the season opener at Carolina on Oct. 9, while Brown has been sidelined by an upper-body injury picked up in a loss at the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 30. Coach Sheldon Keefe said all three looked strong in practice and feel ready enough to travel, giving New Jersey a chance to restore its preferred forward rotation in the near future.

Montreal Canadiens: Dach out with broken foot

The Canadiens will be without Kirby Dach for four to six weeks because of a broken foot suffered in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Bruins. Dach recorded one shot in 14:43 of ice time before leaving the game, and the injury adds to a difficult run of health issues for the forward, who has been limited to 132 games since the start of the 2022-23 season.

Dach had seven points (five goals, two assists) in 15 games and was giving Montreal valuable scoring depth behind the top line. To help cover the loss, the Canadiens recalled forward Joshua Roy from Laval of the AHL, where he has been one of their most productive young forwards.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthews still not skating

The Maple Leafs will be without two regulars on the blue line when they face the Blues on Tuesday. Defenseman Brandon Carlo (lower body) and forward Nicolas Roy (upper body) were both ruled out and Carlo was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 13. Toronto recalled center Jacob Quillan from its AHL affiliate to provide extra depth down the middle.

The bigger concern remains Auston Matthews. Coach Craig Berube confirmed the star center, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue, has yet to resume skating. Matthews was initially expected to miss up to a week, but the lack of on-ice work suggests his return could drift beyond that early estimate, leaving Toronto to spread his minutes and power-play touches across the top six.

Chicago Blackhawks: Brossoit back on the ice

There was a key step forward in goal for Chicago, where Laurent Brossoit skated for the first time this season prior to practice Monday. Coach Jeff Blashill said Brossoit will initially work with goaltending coach Jimmy Waite and selected shooters before transitioning into full team sessions. The veteran underwent offseason hip surgery, his third procedure since signing a two-year contract with the Blackhawks in July 2024, and has not played since appearing in the 2024 Western Conference First Round for the Winnipeg Jets.

Up front, Jason Dickinson (upper body) practiced but was ruled out for Tuesday’s home game against the Calgary Flames. Tyler Bertuzzi, who Blashill described as “banged up,” did not skate but has not been ruled out. Captain Nick Foligno was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 15, after injuring his left hand while blocking a Jake McCabe shot in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

San Jose Sharks: Skinner and Misa sidelined

In San Jose, forward Jeff Skinner is projected to miss roughly two weeks with a lower-body injury suffered in a 2-0 loss to the Calgary Flames on Thursday. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said Skinner’s timeline is relatively encouraging, but the Sharks will miss his finishing skill on the wing in the short term.

Rookie forward Michael Misa, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is considered week to week with his own lower-body injury sustained during the morning skate before a game against the Seattle Kraken on Nov. 5. Warsofsky expects Misa’s recovery to take longer than Skinner’s. San Jose’s next test comes Tuesday at home against the Utah Mammoth, where lineup decisions will depend heavily on how both forwards progress.

Coach Mark comment

This status report shows how thin the margins are in the modern NHL. When core pieces like McAvoy, Dach or Matthews are missing, structure and depth have to carry the load. Teams that manage their minutes well and keep special-teams detail high during these stretches usually come out of injury waves in better shape than their rivals.

Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics

How big of a loss is Charlie McAvoy for the Bruins’ defensive metrics?

McAvoy is Boston’s primary matchup defender and offensive driver from the back end, logging heavy minutes in all situations. Without him, the Bruins will likely see a drop in controlled exits, blue-line retrievals and power-play puck movement, forcing second-pair defensemen into tougher usage.

What does Jake Neighbours’ return mean for the Blues’ top six?

Neighbours brings direct-line skating and inside-lane pressure that fits St. Louis’ identity. When he is back, the Blues can reunite their preferred top-six structure, which should help stabilize power-play entries and five-on-five chance generation from the slot.

Can the Stars manage without Thomas Harley if Benn returns first?

Benn’s return would add leadership and net-front scoring, but Harley’s absence removes a key transition piece. Dallas can still function at a high level if Miro Heiskanen and the remaining defense core handle extra puck-moving duties, yet Harley’s mobility will be missed on controlled breakouts.

How do the Sharks cope offensively while Jeff Skinner and Michael Misa are out?

San Jose will have to lean on committee scoring and more aggressive use of their top power-play unit. Without Skinner’s finishing and Misa’s energy, the Sharks may try to slow games down, protect the middle of the ice and look for counter-attack chances instead of trading rushes.

CTA: For more daily injury updates, performance trends and tactical breakdowns, visit the NHL News section on IceHockeyMan.com.

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NHL Injury Roundup: Matthews to IR, Tkachuk progress and major stars in flux

NHL Injury Roundup: Matthews to IR, Tkachuk progress and major stars in flux | IHM News

NHL Injury Roundup: Matthews to IR, Tkachuk progress and major stars in flux

Date: November 15, 2025 - Author: IHM News

Several contenders are juggling line-up changes as marquee names move on and off the injury list. From Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs recalibrating down the middle, to the Florida Panthers monitoring Matthew Tkachuk’s return timeline, coaches across the League are managing minutes and reshuffling special-teams roles on a nightly basis. Here’s a consolidated look at the latest status news and how it shapes the weeks ahead.

Florida Panthers: Matthew Tkachuk edging toward the ice

Florida’s biggest question mark is slowly moving in the right direction. Matthew Tkachuk is progressing well after offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. The Panthers expect their emotional engine to hit the ice within the next two weeks as he moves from gym work and controlled movement into true hockey conditioning. The exact return date will depend on how quickly he responds once full skating begins.

Florida are already operating without captain Aleksander Barkov, who is rehabbing from knee surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Forwards Tomas Nosek and Jonah Gadjovich, along with defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, remain out long term, forcing coach Paul Maurice to lean heavily on his secondary scoring and depth on the blue line.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews to IR, blue-and-white reshuffle

The headline in Toronto is clear: Auston Matthews has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 11 with a lower-body injury and is expected to miss about a week. The issue did not stem from the hit by Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov in Boston, according to coach Craig Berube, but Matthews left the game shortly after and has not played since. The Maple Leafs are choosing the cautious route with their captain.

Matthews has 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in 17 games, and Toronto has historically coped reasonably well without him (45-24-3 all time, 10-5-0 last season). This time, John Tavares slides into the No. 1 center role between Matthew Knies and William Nylander, and responded with two goals in the overtime loss to the Kings. Max Domi shifts up the lineup and takes Matthews’ spot on the top power-play unit, giving the Leafs another creative passer on the half wall.

Berube is framing this stretch as a “next-man-up” moment: more touches for Tavares and Nylander, and a chance for Domi and the depth forwards to drive play. At the same time, Toronto know their bigger problem has been defending rather than scoring; they entered Friday top three in goals for but bottom of the League in goals against. The emphasis over the next week will be on tightening the defensive details while Matthews heals.

Goaltender Joseph Woll has been activated from his conditioning stint in the AHL and could make his season debut on Saturday. Easton Cowan has also been recalled to bolster forward depth, while Scott Laughton lands on injured reserve with a lower-body issue.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Boone Jenner out long term

Columbus lose a huge piece of their identity with Boone Jenner sidelined long term because of an upper-body injury. The captain exited Tuesday’s win against Seattle in the second period and missed Thursday’s victory over Edmonton. Jenner has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 16 games and sets the tone for the Blue Jackets’ work ethic. Coach Dean Evason is leaning on the rest of the leadership group to replicate Jenner’s relentless style while he recovers.

Colorado Avalanche: Nichushkin week to week, Girard returns

Valeri Nichushkin is week to week with a lower-body injury, but coach Jared Bednar has labeled it “nothing too serious.” The power forward left Tuesday’s win against Anaheim in the third period and did not dress for Colorado’s 6-3 victory over Buffalo. On the positive side, defenseman Samuel Girard returned from a 15-game absence due to an upper-body injury and logged 16:54 with an assist against the Sabres, immediately boosting the Avalanche’s puck-moving from the back end.

Minnesota Wild: Marco Rossi sidelined

In Minnesota, Marco Rossi is out week to week with a lower-body injury and has been placed on injured reserve. The forward logged 17:59 in Tuesday’s loss to San Jose but is now shut down after the issue worsened. Rossi has been a bright spot for the Wild with 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 17 games, so coach John Hynes will need to reconfigure his middle-six and power-play units while waiting for medical clearance.

New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes out with hand issue

Jack Hughes, who leads the Devils with 10 goals and 20 points in 17 games, is out with a non-hockey hand injury. He is being evaluated and the team will update his status when more is known. Hughes had two assists in New Jersey’s overtime win against Chicago on Wednesday and remains the focal point of their offense; any extended absence would force the Devils to spread playmaking duties more evenly through the lineup.

Vancouver Canucks: Illness for Quinn Hughes, Demko to IR

Vancouver had to face Carolina without Quinn Hughes, who sat out the 4-3 overtime loss due to illness despite participating in the morning skate. The defenseman has 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 14 games and is central to the Canucks’ breakout game. In goal, Thatcher Demko has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Tuesday after leaving with a lower-body injury following the first period against Winnipeg. Victor Mancini has been activated but did not dress on Friday, leaving coach Adam Foote to juggle his blue-line options.

Vegas Golden Knights: William Karlsson week to week

In Vegas, center William Karlsson is out week to week with a lower-body injury. He left after the first period of Sunday’s overtime loss to Anaheim and did not play in Thursday’s defeat against the Islanders. With seven points (four goals, three assists) in 14 games, Karlsson is a key two-way pivot. Coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed he will not travel on the upcoming road swing to St. Louis and Minnesota, forcing the Golden Knights to lean harder on their remaining centers.

Edmonton Oilers: Zach Hyman nearing season debut

There is positive news in Edmonton, where Zach Hyman is expected to make his season debut on Saturday at Carolina. The winger has not played since dislocating his wrist in Game 4 of last season’s Western Conference Final against Dallas. Coach Kris Knoblauch indicated earlier in the week that Hyman was targeting a return between Thursday and Saturday; all signs now point to the weekend.

Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk back in practice

Brady Tkachuk took part in practice with the Senators for the first time since thumb surgery on Oct. 16. The captain was hurt after a cross-check from Roman Josi on Oct. 13 and was initially given a 6-8 week timeline. Coach Travis Green expects Tkachuk to be at least a couple of weeks away but confirmed he will be evaluated again during Ottawa’s upcoming road trip. Tkachuk had three assists in three games before the injury.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Hedman close, blue line still thin

Victor Hedman returned to practice Friday and could play Saturday against the Florida Panthers. The Lightning defenseman missed the 7-3 loss to the Rangers with an undisclosed injury. Tampa Bay are still dealing with several other issues: forwards Brandon Hagel, Pontus Holmberg and Dominic James did not practice, Ryan McDonagh remains on injured reserve, and forward Nick Paul (upper body) is nearing his season debut and may return next week.

Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars: key pieces trending up

In Chicago, Frank Nazar, Jason Dickinson and Andre Burakovsky all practiced Friday and are tracking toward playing against the Maple Leafs on Saturday. Tyler Bertuzzi did not skate but could still dress, with coach Jeff Blashill describing him as “banged up.” Down in Dallas, captain Jamie Benn is closing in on his first appearance of the season after recovering from a punctured lung. Coach Glen Gulutzan said Benn has handled several demanding skates and could return as early as next week.

Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics

How much will Auston Matthews’ absence change Toronto’s attack?

Toronto lose one of the League’s elite goal scorers, but their play-driving should remain strong with Tavares and Nylander carrying the top line and Domi adding creativity on the power play. The bigger focus is on tightening up defensively while Matthews is out.

Which injury has the biggest short-term impact on team identity?

Boone Jenner’s absence in Columbus is massive. He drives the Blue Jackets’ forecheck and work ethic, so the coaching staff now need multiple forwards to replicate his pace and physical presence.

Are the Panthers equipped to handle life without both Tkachuk and Barkov?

Florida are using this stretch to stress-test their depth. Without their two emotional leaders, they rely heavily on Verhaeghe, Reinhart and their defense to control shot volume and special teams until Tkachuk’s expected return to the ice in the coming weeks.

Which return could shift the standings fastest?

If Zach Hyman quickly finds his form in Edmonton, he gives the Oilers another top-six finisher and net-front presence on the power play, which can swing tight games during this part of the schedule.

What should fantasy managers watch from this status report?

Look for short-term boosts for players stepping into bigger roles: Tavares and Domi in Toronto, Rossi’s replacements in Minnesota, and whoever earns prime power-play minutes in Vegas while Karlsson is sidelined.

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