In the latest updates from the NHL, several teams are dealing with injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming games. The Chicago Blackhawks will have forward Taylor Hall back in the lineup, while Craig Smith is listed as day-to-day due to a back injury.

The Colorado Avalanche welcomed Jonathan Drouin back from an upper-body injury, while the Montreal Canadiens reported that David Savard and Patrik Laine are not traveling with the team due to injuries and illness, respectively.

In Nashville, the Predators are missing Luke Evangelista for four weeks, alongside Jeremy Lauzon and Adam Wilsby, both on the IR. The New York Islanders are hopeful that Semyon Varlamov and Isaiah George will return to practice soon, but Hudson Fasching is sidelined for two weeks. The New York Rangers saw Igor Shesterkin return after an injury absence.

Further updates include Ottawa's Noah Gregor being out with a lower-body injury, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin missing another game due to an upper-body injury, and San Jose's Fabian Zetterlund as a game-time decision. The Winnipeg Jets anticipate the return of Dylan Samberg and Josh Morrissey for their next matchup.

In the latest NHL updates, Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich exited a game with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Valeri Nichushkin is projected to participate in the upcoming three-game road trip.

In Detroit, Red Wings defensemen Jeff Petry and Justin Holl missed practice, with Petry being assessed for an undisclosed injury, ruling him out for the next game. However, Holl is expected to play.

Florida Panthers' Aaron Ekblad participated in morning skate, while Niko Mikkola remains sidelined due to an upper-body issue. The Minnesota Wild reported that Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov are nursing lower-body injuries, and Jared Spurgeon has been placed on the IR.

Montreal Canadiens forwards Patrik Laine and David Savard are also missing games, while Nashville Predators’ Jeremy Lauzon is on the IR. The New Jersey Devils will be without Erik Haula for several weeks due to a sprained ankle.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker left practice injured. The Senators' Travis Hamonic is out due to a knee injury, but Nick Jensen has returned to practice. San Jose Sharks' Logan Couture is still recovering and hasn't yet returned to the ice.

Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Jake McCabe on the IR, and Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson participated in practice but isn’t ready to play. Quinn Hughes returned from an upper-body injury, and Dakota Joshua has been placed on the IR.

Finally, Vegas Golden Knights' Nicolas Roy returned to practice without contact as he recovers from an upper-body injury.

In recent NHL updates, Boston Bruins coach Joe Sacco provided an update on defenseman Hampus Lindholm, stating he is getting closer to skating but is not on the ice yet, with no specific timeline for his return. Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alec Martinez participated fully in practice following a neck injury.

Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog was seen skating but remains without a return timetable. Head coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about Landeskog's progress, noting the positive impact of his presence during practice. However, Bednar also voiced frustration regarding a controversial play involving Scott Wedgewood, emphasizing the need for player safety.

In other injury news, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov is on IR, and Nashville Predators defensemen Adam Wilsby and Jeremy Lauzon missed practice due to injuries. The New York Islanders reported that defenseman Isaiah George is in concussion protocol after a hit, while goaltender Semyon Varlamov has begun skating again. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman left a game after being hit in the head, and Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko experienced back spasms but is not expected to be sidelined long.

The Nashville Predators are actively pursuing trades, including moving defenseman Alexandre Carrier, but are not engaging in a complete rebuild. General Manager Barry Trotz emphasizes a focus on winning while resetting the team's direction. He acknowledges the potential for a top-five pick in the 2025 NHL Draft if the team doesn't improve.

Trotz is preparing for the offseason, eyeing the free-agent market and potential trades, including defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. He expresses confidence in head coach Andrew Brunette's development this season.

The NHL is facing a wave of injuries affecting multiple teams and players. Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras is sidelined for six weeks following surgery on a torn meniscus. Boston Bruins' Elias Lindholm exited a recent game with an upper-body injury, while Carolina Hurricanes' Jack Drury also underwent surgery for a thumb injury.

Chicago Blackhawks' Alec Martinez is back in Chicago for evaluation, and Dallas Stars' Matt Dumba is dealing with an upper-body issue. The Minnesota Wild have several players, including Mats Zuccarello and Jonas Brodin, uncertain for their return.

In other updates, Nashville Predators' Alexandre Carrier has been placed on IR, and New Jersey Devils' Dawson Mercer suffered an upper-body injury requiring stitches. The New York Islanders are managing the statuses of Mathew Barzal, Anthony Duclair, and Adam Pelech, all day-to-day. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets are also monitoring player injuries closely.