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Several NHL teams are navigating a critical stretch of the season as injuries continue to shape lineups, test depth, and influence upcoming matchups. Below is a full roundup of the latest injury news, key player returns, and roster developments across the league.
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens announced Saturday that forward Jake Evans will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a lower-body injury. Evans was injured in a first-period collision with Justin Brazeau during Montreal’s 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 20.
Evans has recorded 10 points, including five goals and five assists, in 34 games this season. His absence removes a reliable two-way forward from the lineup as Montreal prepares to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday.
New York Islanders
The Islanders received a significant boost as Bo Horvat took part in the morning skate and is expected to return against the New York Rangers at UBS Arena. Horvat had been sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during a December 11 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Horvat leads the Islanders in both goals with 19 and total points with 31 in 32 games this season. He is expected to skate alongside Jonathan Drouin and Emil Heineman.
In goal, Ilya Sorokin was placed on injured reserve retroactive to December 20 due to a lingering lower-body injury. Sorokin holds a 12-10-2 record with a 2.55 goals-against average and three shutouts. Marcus Hogberg was recalled on an emergency basis to serve as backup to David Rittich.
St. Louis Blues
Forwards Jordan Kyrou and Jimmy Snuggerud are set to return for the Blues against the Nashville Predators. Kyrou missed nine games after suffering a lower-body injury on December 5, while Snuggerud returns after left wrist surgery earlier this month.
Kyrou’s return strengthens St. Louis offensively, while Snuggerud’s comeback follows a carefully planned recovery timeline that aligns with his original surgery goals.
Vancouver Canucks
Elias Pettersson is expected back in the lineup for Vancouver against the San Jose Sharks after missing time with an upper-body injury since December 5. The Canucks center has 22 points, including eight goals and 14 assists, in 28 games this season.
Pettersson admitted he initially expected a shorter absence but cited shooting pain as the main issue. He now feels fully recovered.
Meanwhile, Filip Chytil skated in a non-contact jersey while continuing concussion protocol. There remains no clear timetable for his return after last playing on October 19.
Buffalo Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin will miss Buffalo’s game against the Boston Bruins as he attends to a family matter in Sweden involving his fiancée, Carolina, who underwent a heart transplant last summer.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff expressed confidence that Dahlin will return for the team’s upcoming three-game road trip. Dahlin has 28 points in 33 games and ranks third on the team in scoring. Defenseman Ryan Johnson was recalled from Rochester of the AHL.
Jason Zucker also rejoined the team for morning skate for the first time since sustaining both upper- and lower-body injuries on December 8. Zucker has 18 points in 21 games but has no set timeline for his return.
Los Angeles Kings
Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper will miss his fifth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. Although he skated during the morning session, head coach Jim Hiller emphasized caution in setting a return date.
Kuemper has posted a 10-6-6 record this season with a strong 2.19 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
Detroit Red Wings
Patrick Kane is listed as questionable to return against the Carolina Hurricanes. The veteran forward has missed five straight games but participated in the morning skate.
Kane has recorded 23 points in 24 games and would be a major offensive boost if cleared to play.
Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno could return against Dallas after missing time since November 15 with a left-hand injury suffered while blocking a shot. Foligno has six assists in 15 games this season.
The team also recalled forward Landon Slaggert from Rockford of the AHL.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel skated in the morning session but will not return against the Florida Panthers. Hagel has been out since December 15 and has produced 31 points in 32 games this season.
Defenseman Ryan McDonagh aggravated a previous injury and is considered day to day, while Erik Cernak also skated after missing time since late November. Tampa Bay recalled Steven Santini and Scott Sabourin from Syracuse of the AHL.
Nashville Predators
Jonathan Marchessault is expected to miss his fourth straight game despite participating in the morning skate. The forward has not played since December 17 and has 10 points in 28 games this season.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Brandon Carlo skated with the Maple Leafs for the first time since undergoing foot surgery on December 3 but will not return against the Ottawa Senators. Carlo has missed 18 games this season and continues his recovery process cautiously.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Blake Lizotte could return against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing nine games with an undisclosed injury. He fully participated in practice and centered the fourth line.
Evgeni Malkin skated on his own but will miss his 11th consecutive game. The veteran center is considered week to week after suffering an upper-body injury on December 4.
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