Get ready for some Olympic hockey drama! The NHL's return to the Olympics after a hiatus is a thrilling prospect, but unfortunately, not all players will be able to participate due to injuries. Time is ticking, with the NHL preparing for the Milan-Cortina tournament, and some players are racing against the clock to recover.
This tracker focuses on NHL players initially named in the Olympic rosters who are currently sidelined with reported injuries. It's a dynamic list, subject to updates as more injury news emerges.
United States:
- Matt Boldy, the Minnesota Wild's top goal-scorer, is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. He's expected to miss at least one more game, but sources say he should be ready for the Olympics.
- Seth Jones, the Florida Panthers' defenseman, has been officially removed from the roster after taking a puck to the shoulder during the Winter Classic. A tough break for Jones, who now faces a lengthy recovery.
Canada:
- Anthony Cirelli, the Tampa Bay Lightning's center, left a game early after being struck by a shot from a teammate. He's expected to return soon, but his absence could impact Canada's tough matchup strategy.
- Bo Horvat, the New York Islanders' forward, suffered a lower-body injury on January 1st. Despite the setback, the team expects him back before the Olympic break.
- Darcy Kuemper, likely Canada's third goalie, left a game with an upper-body injury. He's since revealed it was a pinched nerve, and he's expected to join the team on their road trip.
- Brad Marchand, the veteran winger, has been out with an upper-body injury but has been skating with the team. His return is imminent, according to the coach.
- Brayden Point, a key player for Canada, is in a race against time to recover from an injury sustained when a Philadelphia Flyers' defenseman fell on his leg. His status is uncertain, and his absence would create a significant gap in Canada's top six.
- Devon Toews, Cale Makar's defensive partner, is recovering from an upper-body injury but is unlikely to return during the Avs' homestand.
Sweden:
- Jonas Brodin, the Minnesota Wild's defenseman, will miss the tournament due to a persistent lower-body injury. A big loss for Sweden's defense, but they have depth with players like Mattias Ekholm, Hampus Lindholm, and Simon Edvinsson ready to step up.
- Leo Carlsson, Sweden's young star, underwent a procedure to treat a thigh injury. His absence is a blow, especially given his early-season breakout.
- Joel Eriksson Ek, a versatile center for the Wild, is eligible to return from a lower-body injury. He's expected to be ready for the tournament.
- Victor Hedman, Sweden's defensive cornerstone, hasn't played since an elbow injury in December, but he's expected to be fit for Milan.
- Erik Karlsson, the Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman, has been out since January 11th with a lower-body injury. He's accompanied the team on their trip and is expected to be reassessed soon.
- Gabriel Landeskog, the Colorado Avalanche's winger, is still recovering from an upper-body injury. His return is uncertain, but Sweden's coach remains hopeful.
- William Nylander, Sweden's offensive powerhouse, has been sidelined with a groin injury. His absence would be a significant setback for Sweden's medal hopes.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a veteran defenseman, left a game with a lower-body injury. Another potential blow to Sweden's defensive depth.
Finland:
- Joel Kiviranta, a reliable bottom-six forward, could return on Friday against the Ducks. He's been out since December 19th.
- Rasmus Ristolainen, the Philadelphia Flyers' defenseman, has been on injured reserve since January 17th. He's expected to return to the lineup on January 26th.
- Teuvo Teravainen, the Chicago Blackhawks' forward, left a game with an upper-body injury but skated in a non-contact jersey on Wednesday.
Czechia:
- Dan Vladar, the Philadelphia Flyers' goalie, has been out with an undisclosed issue. He joined the team for practice on Tuesday, but his status remains uncertain.
And there you have it! A comprehensive look at the NHL players facing the possibility of missing the Olympics due to injuries. But here's where it gets controversial... Should players with minor injuries be pushed to play through the pain for their country? And what about the impact of these injuries on their NHL teams? Let's discuss in the comments! Are you ready for some Olympic hockey action?
