Injury updates across the NHL revealed multiple player statuses as teams prepare for upcoming games. Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is sidelined for a third consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury. The Buffalo Sabres welcomed back forward Jiri Kulich, who returned after missing four games with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, forward Ryan McLeod of the Buffalo Sabres was placed on injured reserve but is expected to return by week’s end. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen may be back tonight following a collision with Evgeni Malkin.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson left a recent game after blocking a shot, but coach Anders Sorensen expressed optimism about his recovery. In Columbus, the Blue Jackets activated forward Justin Danforth from IR. Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty practiced for the first time since his September ankle injury, though coach Jim Hiller couldn’t provide a timeline for his return. New York Islanders player Hudson Fasching participated in a morning skate, while defenseman Noah Dobson left a game early due to a hit.
The Toronto Maple Leafs had forwards Calle Jarnkrok and Anthony Stolarz back on the ice, with Jarnkrok aiming to return from a sports hernia. Max Pacioretty missed a game due to an upper-body injury sustained earlier. The Vancouver Canucks reported that Dakota Joshua is nearing a return, while Noah Juulsen remains day-to-day with an injury. Adam Lowry from the Winnipeg Jets left a game with an undisclosed injury, with updates pending.
