Injury Updates: NHL Players Return and Miss Games Ahead of Key Matchups

NEW YORK, NY — The NHL Status Report has important updates on player injuries and lineups as teams gear up for competitive matchups this week. Notably, some key athletes are returning while others are sidelined as playoff races heat up.

Vegas Golden Knights’ captain Mark Stone will make his return against the Ottawa Senators after missing 16 games with an upper-body injury. Stone participated in the morning skate wearing a regular jersey. ‘Everything’s healed. I got the practices I needed. I’m ready to go,’ Stone stated. He previously logged 13 points in just six games before his injury.

For the Pittsburgh Penguins, goalie Tristan Jarry returned to action against the Buffalo Sabres after seven games on the sidelines. Jarry boasts a record of 5-2-0 with a 2.60 goals-against average this season. Meanwhile, forward Jason Zucker and rookie Samuel Poulin saw action despite recent health concerns.

On the other hand, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk is out day-to-day with a lower-body injury suffered last game against the Minnesota Wild. Jets coach Scott Arniel commented, ‘He skated yesterday, he tried again today. He just doesn’t feel quite right.’

The Columbus Blue Jackets welcomed Zach Werenski back against the Toronto Maple Leafs, two days after an injury scare. Werenski has 21 points in 23 games this season, ranking high in ice time among defensemen.

Moreover, Anaheim Ducks forward Troy Terry will miss a game due to an upper-body injury, which has been evaluated by coach Joel Quenneville. In place of Terry, backup goalie Lucas Dostal has been called up from the AHL.

The New Jersey Devils, dealing with numerous injuries, are closely monitoring forward Jack Hughes, who recently underwent hand surgery and will be reevaluated in six weeks. Hughes, who leads the team in points, has faced several injuries since being drafted.

In summary, several players are making comebacks just as others continue to navigate injuries at this critical point in the NHL season.