Get ready for an intense NHL Status Report, where we dive into the latest lineup and injury updates across the league!
The Maple Leafs' Nylander: A Questionable Presence
William Nylander's status for the Toronto Maple Leafs' game against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday (7 p.m. ET) is uncertain due to a lower-body injury. Nylander, a key forward for the Leafs, was injured during the first period of a thrilling 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. Before his injury, he had already notched a goal and an assist. Coach Craig Berube remains uncertain about the extent of Nylander's absence, stating, "Right now, I can't give a definite answer." Nylander's previous injury, which the team initially thought would be a quick recovery, turned out to be more severe. With 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 37 games this season, Nylander leads Toronto and will also represent Team Sweden at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Capitals' Wilson: A Potential Return?
Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals, who will represent Team Canada at the Olympics, participated in an optional morning skate and has not been ruled out for their game against the Florida Panthers on Saturday (7 p.m. ET). Wilson has missed the last five games but remained on the ice with the scratches and injured players. With 42 points (22 goals, 20 assists) in 41 games, his presence could be a game-changer. However, Justin Sourdif, who suffered a puck to the face, will miss his third straight game, and Pierre-Luc Dubois, who underwent abdominal/adductor surgery, is not expected back until after the Olympic break next month.
Ducks' Carlsson: A Long Road to Recovery
Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks is expected to be sidelined for 3-5 weeks after undergoing a procedure on Friday to treat a Morel-Lavallee lesion in his left thigh. This soft tissue injury, typically caused by a high-velocity force, has kept Carlsson out of practice since Monday. The 21-year-old forward leads the Ducks with 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games this season and was recently named to Sweden's Olympic roster. Sweden is scheduled to kick off their tournament against Italy on February 11.
Flyers' Vladar: A Day-to-Day Battle
Dan Vladar of the Philadelphia Flyers, who will represent Team Czechia at the Olympics, will not play against the New York Rangers on Saturday (1 p.m. ET) and is considered day to day. Vladar left a 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday after the first period and was not available for a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned the possibility of Vladar traveling for a three-game road trip starting with the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. Forward Bobby Brink, who has missed six straight games due to an upper-body injury, skated on Saturday morning and could return on Monday. Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who is on Finland's roster for the Olympics, will miss at least another week, according to Tocchet.
Canadiens' Evans: A Welcome Return
Jake Evans of the Montreal Canadiens is expected to return against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday (7 p.m. ET). Evans has missed 13 games but was back at practice with injured forwards Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach on Friday. With 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 34 games, Evans' return will be a boost for the Canadiens. Neither Laine nor Dach will play; Laine underwent core muscle surgery in October and was expected to be out for 3-4 months, while Dach, who suffered a broken foot on November 15, was expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Wild's Boldy and Eriksson Ek: Lower-Body Injuries
Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild were both placed on injured reserve on Friday with lower-body injuries. Boldy, who will represent Team United States at the Olympics, had an assist in 19:16 of ice time during a 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. He has 51 points (27 goals, 24 assists) in 48 games for the Wild this season. Eriksson Ek, who will play for Sweden, has missed three games since his injury during a 3-2 overtime win against the Seattle Kraken on January 8. He has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 45 games this season. Marcus Johansson is also out and will not join the team for their three-game road trip starting at the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday (12:30 p.m. ET). Forwards Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Hunter Haight, and defenseman David Jiricek, were recalled from Iowa of the American Hockey League.
Senators' Ullmark: No Timeline for Return
Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators practiced with the team on Friday for the first time since taking a leave of absence on December 28. However, there is no timeline for his return. Coach Travis Green expressed positivity about Ullmark's return to skating with the group, saying, "We're taking it day by day." James Reimer, who signed a one-year contract on Monday, could make his debut against the Canadiens on Saturday (7 p.m. ET) or at the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday.
Blackhawks' Teravainen: Out for the Olympics
Teuvo Teravainen of the Chicago Blackhawks will miss his second straight game due to an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old forward, who will represent Finland at the Olympics, has 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games. Jason Dickinson left the morning skate early but is expected to play. Forward Frank Nazar, who took a puck to the face in a game against the Senators on December 20, skated with teammates on Saturday for the first time since his injury. He will practice on Sunday but is not expected to play against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday.
Sabres' Kesselring: Back in Action
Michael Kesselring of the Buffalo Sabres returned against the Wild on Saturday after being out since December 31. The defenseman has been held without a point in 16 games this season while averaging 15:14 of ice time.
Devils' Palat: Questionable for Hurricanes Game
Ondrej Palat of the New Jersey Devils is questionable for their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday (7 p.m. ET) due to illness. Palat, who will represent Czechia at the Olympics, did not participate in the morning skate. With 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 47 games, his presence could be crucial for the Devils. Forward Juho Lammikko and defenseman Colton White were placed on waivers on Friday.
