NHL Injury and Activation Update: Key Players Impact Team Strategies

The Toronto Maple Leafs are closely monitoring the recovery of their goaltender, who has been skating for the fourth consecutive day while recovering from a lower-body injury. According to Toronto coach Craig Berube, the player is making significant progress, though it remains uncertain if he will be a full participant in practice on Friday. The Leafs face the New York Rangers on Saturday night, and the team is not rushing his return.

Meanwhile, Alex Nedeljkovic has been activated from injured reserve by the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing five games due to a lower-body injury. Nedeljkovic has been sent to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL for a conditioning loan. Head coach Mike Sullivan noted the entire team had a rough start, highlighting a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Defenseman Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets was placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury, sustained in a collision with a teammate. Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason emphasized Gudbranson’s leadership impact, noting his absence creates a significant void in the lineup.

The Vancouver Canucks confirmed that a team player left for personal reasons and has yet to return. The team called up Erik Brannstrom from Abbotsford of the AHL, with coach Rick Tocchet praising Brannstrom’s puck-moving abilities.

Artem Zub of the Ottawa Senators is out for at least a week following a concussion from a high hit received in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. Substitute options are already in place, with head coach Travis Green weighing further decisions.

In other injury news, San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, remains on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and is taking his recovery “day by day,” according to coach Ryan Warsofsky.