Injuries are taking a toll across the NHL as several key players are sidelined. Anaheim Ducks' Brock McGinn recently underwent ACL surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Isac Lundestrom's status remains day-to-day due to a lower-body injury while Trevor Zegras has returned from a meniscus tear. The Boston Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR, while the Dallas Stars welcomed Roope Hintz back to their lineup, but Mason Marchment remains out. In Nashville, Cole Smith has been activated from IR. The New York Islanders are dealing with Noah Dobson's absence due to a lower-body injury, with no return date set.

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators was seen at practice but didn’t skate, and Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers is recovering from a head injury. Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty have also missed time due to injuries, with the team hopeful about John Tavares’ potential return to skating soon. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress after a knee procedure, and Vancouver Canucks are monitoring several players, including Noah Juulsen and Kevin Lankinen, who missed a game due to illness.

The upcoming matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild is set for Thursday at the Xcel Energy Center. Montreal, currently struggling with a record of 5-9-2, recently snapped a six-game losing streak with a victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

Cole Caufield stands out for the Canadiens, leading the NHL with 12 goals, showcasing his ability to score both at even strength and on the power play. Meanwhile, the Wild are making roster adjustments due to injuries, with key players questionable for the game.

Juraj Slafkovsky of the Montreal Canadiens is making his return after missing three games due to an upper-body injury. He participated in the morning skate on the second line alongside Alex Newhook and Joel Armia.

Slafkovsky, the first overall pick in 2022, has recorded one goal and five assists in six games this season. The Canadiens, currently on a two-game win streak, will face the Seattle Kraken, who are struggling with three consecutive losses.