NHL Status Report: A Round-Up of Recent Injuries and Lineup Changes
Welcome to the NHL Status Report, where we bring you the latest lineup and injury news from around the league. Today, we have updates on several key players, including some big names who are set to return to the ice.
Vegas Golden Knights: Mark Stone's Injury
The Golden Knights placed Mark Stone on injured reserve on Thursday. Stone, a forward, left the ice in the final minute of the first period of a 5-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins after a check to his left arm. This injury has kept him out of the past two games, and he will miss at least the next two, against the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers. Stone has been a standout this season, with 60 points in 43 games, and his absence will be a significant loss for the team.
What makes this particularly interesting is the timing of the injury. Stone was on fire at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, helping Team Canada secure the silver medal with four points in six games. His absence from the team will be a blow, especially given his recent form.
Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty's Return
The Kings are set to welcome back Drew Doughty when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday. Doughty, a defenseman, has been out for two games due to a lower-body injury sustained during an 8-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Coach D.J. Smith suggests that Doughty could even return to the lineup before their upcoming six-game homestand ends against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
Doughty is a key player for the Kings, leading the team with an average ice time of 22:48 in 50 games and contributing 14 points (three goals, 11 assists). His return will be a significant boost to the team's defense.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby's Recovery
Sidney Crosby, the veteran center, has resumed skating, but there is no change in his timeline for a return. Crosby, 38, worked on the ice before the morning skate on Thursday but missed his fifth straight game when the Penguins hosted the Buffalo Sabres. He is expected to be out for at least four weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained while playing for Team Canada against Team Czechia at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Crosby's recovery is a significant talking point. As one of the NHL's all-time greats, his absence has been felt by the team and fans alike. His return is eagerly anticipated, and the fact that he has resumed skating is a positive sign.
Chicago Blackhawks: Wyatt Kaiser's Return and Teuvo Teravainen's Status
Wyatt Kaiser, a defenseman, practiced with the Blackhawks on Thursday and could play against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. Kaiser was placed on injured reserve on February 18, retroactive to February 4, after an injury sustained in a 4-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 57 games this season.
Teuvo Teravainen, a forward, left practice on Thursday but is expected to be fine to play on Friday. Coach Jeff Blashill said he is 'working through something'.
The Blackhawks are also dealing with the immigration issues surrounding newly acquired forward Andrew Mangiapane, who was traded from the Edmonton Oilers. Blashill is uncertain if Mangiapane will be available for Friday's game.
St. Louis Blues: Mathieu Joseph's Waiver Claim
The St. Louis Blues placed Mathieu Joseph on unconditional waivers on Thursday to terminate his contract. Joseph, a 29-year-old forward, has 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 39 games this season. He is in the final year of a four-year contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Detroit Red Wings: John Gibson's Injury
John Gibson, the Red Wings' goalie, is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and did not play in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. Gibson allowed one goal on 11 shots in the first period of a 4-2 win against the Nashville Predators on Monday. He was replaced by Cam Talbot, who stopped 18 of 19 shots.
Gibson's injury is a concern for the Red Wings, who are already struggling. His availability is uncertain, and the team will be hoping for a quick recovery.
Edmonton Oilers: Curtis Lazar's Injury
Curtis Lazar, a forward for the Oilers, will be sidelined for up to four weeks with an undisclosed injury, according to coach Kris Knoblauch. Lazar sustained the injury in the first period of a 5-4 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. He collided with Senators forward Nick Cousins along the boards and did not return.
Lazar has been a key player for the Oilers, with five points in 38 games. His absence will be felt, especially given his importance on face-offs and in the defensive zone.
In summary, the NHL is a league of constant change, with injuries and lineup changes a regular occurrence. Today's report highlights the impact of these changes on teams and players, and the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest news. As always, the NHL is a fascinating league, and these updates provide a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the players and teams involved.
