Is your favorite NHL team cursed with injuries right before the Olympics? It sure feels that way for some teams right now! This NHL Status Report dives into the latest injury updates and lineup changes across the league, just days before the Olympic break. We'll cover key players returning from injury, some significant IR placements, and even a controversial hit that's landed one player in hot water with the Player Safety department. Let's get started!
Utah Mammoth: Cooley's Comeback Trail
Good news for Mammoth fans! Logan Cooley, the highly touted forward, has returned to practice, sporting a non-contact jersey during the team's morning skate before their Monday matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This marks his first time back on the ice with the team since that nail-biting game against the Vancouver Canucks on December 5th. Remember that one? It was a 4-1 victory overshadowed by Cooley's collision with Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen. Cooley was driving hard to the net on a partial breakaway, getting held up by Quinn Hughes (who received a minor penalty for his efforts). Cooley went down clutching his left knee, and the collective gasp from the arena could probably be heard back in Salt Lake City. Fortunately, he skated off under his own power and even returned to the ice before the power play ended. The team later announced on December 11th that he'd be sidelined for at least eight weeks. Before the injury, Cooley had racked up an impressive 23 points (14 goals, 9 assists) in 29 games. His return, even in a limited capacity, is a huge boost for the Mammoth. Will he be back to his old self right away, or will the injury linger? Only time will tell.
Detroit Red Wings: Edvinsson Out, Opportunity Knocks
Tough news out of Detroit. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan announced that defenseman Simon Edvinsson will be out of the lineup through the Olympic break due to a lower-body injury. The 22-year-old has already missed the Red Wings' last two games. Detroit faces the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday and then travels to Utah for their final game before the break on February 4th, before resuming the season on February 26th in Ottawa. "He is a significant piece, but we have others that are going to have to go in and play, and they’ve done that already for a couple of games and have done an admirable job," McLellan said. "When you lose players, there’s all the cliches – somebody else steps up, all that type of stuff. It just means that everybody else has to pull a little harder and do a little bit more. If you manage the game properly, you can get through it.” Edvinsson has been a key player for the Red Wings, notching 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 48 games and averaging the second-most ice time on the team (22:35). While losing Edvinsson is a blow, McLellan's comments highlight the team's depth and resilience. Can the Red Wings' other defensemen step up and fill the void? This will be critical to their success in the coming weeks.
Vancouver Canucks: Boeser and Buium Hit the IR
The Vancouver Canucks have placed both Brock Boeser and Zeev Buium on injured reserve following their 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. Boeser's injury occurred late in the third period after a hit from Penguins forward Bryan Rust. Boeser has 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 50 games this season, making this a significant offensive loss for the Canucks. And this is the part most people miss... Rust will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday for an illegal check to the head. This could result in a suspension, sparking debate about the severity of the hit and the appropriate punishment. Was it a clean hockey play, or a dangerous and reckless hit?
Buium, on the other hand, took a puck to the face in the first period but, impressively, returned to finish the game wearing a full cage. Talk about dedication! Buium has 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 51 games, including six points since being acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota on December 12th. To fill the roster spots, the Canucks have recalled forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki and defenseman Victor Mancini from their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.
Ottawa Senators: Ullmark's Potential Return
Linus Ullmark might be back between the pipes for the Ottawa Senators this week, potentially making his first start since December 27th. Ullmark took a leave of absence from the team the following day for personal reasons. He served as Mads Sogaard's backup in their dominant 7-1 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. "We’ll see. I’m not worried about that right now,” Ottawa coach Travis Green said after the game. The Senators have home games against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday and the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. Ullmark's presence in net would be a welcome sight for the Senators. He holds a 14-8-5 record with a 2.95 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage in 28 games this season. Will Ullmark's return be enough to spark a turnaround for the Senators?
Chicago Blackhawks: Teravainen Nearing Return
In Chicago, Teuvo Teravainen practiced with the Blackhawks on Monday and is potentially set to return against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. "I anticipate that, but until tomorrow I’ll reserve total judgment,” Chicago coach Jeff Blashill said. “But definitely trending toward playing tomorrow.” The forward, who is slated to represent Team Finland at the Olympics, has been out for six games. Before his injury, he was alternating with Nick Lardis on the top line alongside Frank Nazar and Connor Bedard. Lardis has since been reassigned to the AHL. Teravainen has contributed 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists) in 45 games this season. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the Blackhawks' offense.
Washington Capitals: Dubois Steps Up, Sandin Sidelined
Washington Capitals center Pierre-Luc Dubois donned a regular jersey at practice on Monday, marking a significant step in his recovery from abdominal and adductor muscle injuries that required surgery in November. Dubois hasn't played since October 31st and wasn't expected back until after the Olympic break. He hasn't recorded a point in six games this season. But here's where it gets controversial... Is bringing Dubois back so quickly a smart move, or are the Capitals rushing him back too soon? On the flip side, defenseman Rasmus Sandin missed practice after leaving Saturday's game against the Edmonton Oilers with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot. Washington is on the road against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Nylander's Olympic Hopes
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is expected to miss his sixth consecutive game on Tuesday against the Buffalo Sabres due to a groin injury. However, he's aiming to return before the Maple Leafs' final game before the Olympic break on February 3rd. Nylander is expected to play for Team Sweden at the Olympics, with their first game scheduled for February 11th. “Hopefully I’ll be back playing at some point on the road trip,” Nylander said. Toronto begins a four-game road trip on Thursday in Seattle.
Anaheim Ducks: McTavish Questionable
Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish is questionable for Monday's game against the Oilers due to an upper-body injury. He's missed the last three games. McTavish has 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 49 games this season. The Ducks are hoping he can return before their five-game road trip concludes on Thursday in Vancouver.
Philadelphia Flyers: Ristolainen Returns, Vladar Close
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is expected to return against the New York Islanders after missing six games due to an upper-body injury. He's been skating on the third defensive pairing. Ristolainen, named to Team Finland for the Olympics, has three assists in 13 games this season. Goalie Dan Vladar, also named to Team Czechia for the Olympics, participated in the morning skate but will miss his sixth straight game with a lower-body injury. Coach Rick Tocchet expects Vladar to return during the Flyers' upcoming stretch of three games in four days, starting on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. "He's going to get in this week," Tocchet said. "He's put in a lot of work, so he's really close." Vladar has a 16-7-4 record with a 2.46 GAA and .905 save percentage in 28 games.
Edmonton Oilers: Kapanen Back, Samanski Debuts
Edmonton Oilers forward Kasperi Kapanen is set to return against the Ducks after missing three games with a lower-body injury. He had previously missed 36 games earlier in the season with a similar injury. Forward Josh Samanski will make his NHL debut, while forward Isaac Howard has been reassigned to the AHL.
New York Islanders: Pulock Unlikely, George Steps Up
New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock is unlikely to play against the Flyers due to an upper-body injury. He's considered day-to-day. Defenseman Isaiah George, recently recalled from the AHL, is expected to fill the void.
Colorado Avalanche: Toews Travels, Colton Day-to-Day
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews is traveling with the team on their four-game road trip, although he's still recovering from an upper-body injury. Forward Ross Colton missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury and is considered day-to-day.
So, what do you think? Are these injuries just bad luck, or are some teams pushing their players too hard? Which team do you think will be most affected by these absences heading into the Olympic break? And what's your take on the Bryan Rust hit – clean or dirty? Let's hear your opinions in the comments below!
