NHL Injury Report: Key Players Return, Others Out for Lengthy Periods
The NHL is buzzing with injury updates, and here's a breakdown of the latest lineup news across the league.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Hedman's Return and Point's Potential Comeback
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- Brayden Point, who has been out with an undisclosed injury, might return after missing six games.
- Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy remain day-to-day, with Kucherov not participating in practice but participating in an optional skate.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Woll's Short-Term Absence and Akhtyamov's Recall
- Joseph Woll, who missed his season debut until November 15 due to a personal matter, has been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. He's expected to be out for a week.
- Goalie Artur Akhtyamov has been recalled from the American Hockey League to back up Dennis Hildeby.
Ottawa Senators: Pinto's Extended Absence and Hodgson's Recall
- Shane Pinto, who suffered a lower-body injury from a hit by Mika Zibanejad, will be out for at least two weeks.
- Forward Hayden Hodgson has been recalled from the AHL.
New York Islanders: Pageau's Return and Drouin's Absence
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has missed seven straight games with an upper-body injury, is a full participant in morning skates and could return against the Florida Panthers on Sunday.
- Jonathan Drouin, out with a back injury, missed the trip to Colorado.
New York Rangers: Quick's Return and Martin's Reassignment
- Jonathan Quick, activated from injured reserve, served as the backup goalie for the Rangers against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.
- Goalie Spencer Martin has been reassigned to Hartford of the AHL.
Florida Panthers: Luostarinen's Burn Recovery and Potential Return
- Eetu Luostarinen, who sustained burns in a barbecue accident, practiced for the first time since November 15 and could return against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.
Vancouver Canucks: Demko's and Hoglander's Potential Returns
- Thatcher Demko, out with a lower-body injury, skated in practice but is not yet ready for a full return.
- Nils Hoglander, who hasn't played this season due to a lower-body injury, needs a few practices before his debut but could return against the Buffalo Sabres.
