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Welcome to the NHL Status Report, bringing you the latest lineup updates and injury news from around the league.
New York Islanders
Bo Horvat took part in the morning skate and is set to return from a lower-body injury when the Islanders face the New York Rangers at UBS Arena on Saturday (6 p.m. ET; MSGSN, MSG 2). The center sustained the injury during a 5–2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 11. Horvat leads the Islanders in both goals (19) and points (31) through 32 games this season and is expected to skate alongside Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman. “I’m feeling good about myself right now and where I’m at,” Horvat said.
Meanwhile, goaltender Ilya Sorokin was placed on injured reserve Saturday, retroactive to Dec. 20, as he continues to deal with a lingering lower-body issue. Sorokin holds a 12-10-2 record this season, along with a 2.55 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and three shutouts across 24 appearances. In response, the Islanders recalled Marcus Högberg from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League under emergency conditions. Högberg will serve as the backup to David Rittich against the Rangers.
Buffalo Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin will not be in the lineup for the Sabres when they face the Boston Bruins on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; NESN, MSG-B). Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff explained that Dahlin is currently in Sweden attending to his fiancée. “He’s just attending to his fiancée in Sweden; [he] should be back shortly,” Ruff said. Dahlin’s fiancée, Carolina, underwent a heart transplant last summer, and the Sabres captain previously took a week-long leave of absence last month to be with her. Ruff added that the team expects Dahlin to rejoin the lineup during Buffalo’s upcoming three-game road trip, which begins Monday against the St. Louis Blues. Dahlin ranks third on the team in scoring with 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 33 games this season.
Forward Jason Zucker rejoined the Sabres for the morning skate, marking his first time skating with the team since suffering upper- and lower-body injuries in a 7–4 loss to the Calgary Flames on Dec. 8. Zucker, who has recorded 18 points (nine goals, nine assists) in 21 games this season, said he does not have a specific timetable for his return. “I’m going to take it day by day and see where it goes,” he said.
Detroit Red Wings
Patrick Kane (upper body) is questionable to return to the lineup when the Red Wings visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNDET, FDSNSO). The veteran forward has missed Detroit’s past five games but participated in the team’s morning skate earlier this week. Kane has totaled 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) in 24 games this season and last played prior to a 4–3 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.
Chicago Blackhawks
Nick Foligno could make his return when the Blackhawks visit the Dallas Stars on Saturday (8 p.m. ET; Victory+, CHSN). The Chicago captain has been sidelined since Nov. 15 after injuring his left hand while blocking a shot from Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe. Foligno has six assists in 15 games this season. Additionally, forward Landon Slaggert was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel (upper body) took part in the morning skate but will not return to the lineup when the Lightning face the Florida Panthers on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; The Spot, SCRIPPS). The forward has been sidelined since sustaining the injury in a 5–2 loss to Florida on Dec. 15. Hagel has recorded 31 points (18 goals, 13 assists) and owns a plus-18 rating in 32 games this season.
Defenseman Ryan McDonagh aggravated a previous injury and will not play; head coach Jon Cooper indicated he is considered day to day. Fellow defenseman Erik Černák also participated in the morning skate after missing time since Nov. 22 with an undisclosed injury. In a corresponding move, Tampa Bay recalled defenseman Steven Santini and forward Scott Sabourin from Syracuse of the American Hockey League.
Vancouver Canucks
Elias Pettersson (upper body) could return to the lineup when the Canucks host the San Jose Sharks on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; SN1, CITY, SNP, NBCSCA). The center has been out since Dec. 5 and has produced 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 28 games this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Brandon Carlo joined the Maple Leafs for the morning skate but will not return to game action against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, CITY, SNE, SNO, SNP). It marked the first time the defenseman skated with the team since undergoing foot surgery on Dec. 3. Carlo has missed 18 games since Nov. 13 and has two assists in 18 games this season while averaging 20:04 of ice time. “He’s coming along pretty well,” said the coaching staff. “We’ll continue to monitor his progress and make sure there are no setbacks, as he hasn’t yet had a full practice with the team.”
