NHL Injury Crisis Deepens: Which Star Players Could Change the Fate of Playoffs?

Alright, hockey fans, here’s the scoop making waves around the rink today: Anaheim Ducks are looking to welcome back their forward Troy Terry, who’s been off the ice for the last ten games but took part in practice yesterday—fingers crossed he’s back on the lineup tonight. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog is skating with the team again after a brutal hit in early January, and Coach Bednar’s got his hopes set on seeing Gabe suit up before the Olympic pause. The ripple effect doesn’t stop there—players like Denton Mateychuk of the Blue Jackets and Ryan Pulock of the Islanders are finding their way back from injuries, while uncertain statuses hover over others like Mattias Ekholm and Brayden Point, who’s still nursing a knee injury but dreaming big about Olympic ice time. Plus, the ever-determined Victor Hedman might just lace ‘em up again for the Stadium Series this Sunday. Throw in some tough breaks, like Canucks’ Thatcher Demko heading for season-ending hip surgery, and it’s clear the NHL injury report is buzzing with stories of struggle, resilience, and the sheer grit that defines this season. If you’re itching for all the gritty details, stay with me as we break down every hit, hobble, and hopeful return around the league. LEARN MORE.

Kevin Woodley: It’s looking like Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry could return to the lineup tonight. He practiced with the team yesterday. He’s missed their past 10 games.

Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic: Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog had been skating on his own over the past week, but joined teammates for practice on Tuesday. It was the first time since January 4th when he crashed heavily into the boards and suffered an upper-body injury. Coach Jared Bednar:

“For Gabe, obviously, we’re just really hoping he can get back and be part of the Olympics, and it looks like he’s trending in that direction.”

Bednar didn’t rule out Landeskog getting in a game with the Avs before the Olympic break.

NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabres, and the Calgary Flames

Craig Merz: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk returned to the lineup last night after missing the past six games with an upper-body injury.

Tony Brar: Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm is day-to-day and questionable for tonight.

Stefen Rosner: New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock returned to the lineup after missing the past two games with an upper-body injury.

Peter Baugh: New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin skated on his own yesterday at their training center.

Philadelphia Flyers: Goaltender Dan Vladar has been activated from the IR, and goaltender Aleksei Kolosov was loaned to Lehigh Valley of the AHL.

Craig Merz: Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen left last night’s game in the first period after two shifts with a lower-body injury. There was no update after the game.

Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic: Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point is still hopeful the can play for Team Canada at the Olympics, but it’s not 100 percent. He’s been out since January 12th with a right knee injury. He’s progressing, and the coaching staff would like to see if he can get into a game with the Lightning before the break.

NHL: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman hasn’t ruled out playing in the Stadium Series game on Sunday against the Boston Bruins. He practiced in a no-contact jersey with the team yesterday for the first time since going on the IR back on December 11th.

NHL Rumors: Winnipeg Jets, and the Utah Mammoth

“Progressing,” coach Jon Cooper said. “You know he’s still in a red jersey. This is the first time he got to participate with the full group, so those are the baby steps you’ve got to take. But he’s definitely getting closer.”

Defenseman McDonagh is expected to return to the lineup tonight. He’s been out since December 22nd.

Randip Janda: Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander is dealing with a lower-body injury that he suffered on Tuesday night.

Brendan Batchelor: Missing Canucks practice yesterday (for maintenance and illness) were Tyler Myers, Filip Hronek, Filip Chytil and Conor Garland.

NHL: Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will have hip surgery and is out for the remainder of the season. He’s expected to be ready for the start of training camp next September.

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