The latest injury updates across the National Hockey League reveal various player statuses impacting key teams as the season progresses:
Anaheim Ducks
Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas played through a lower-body injury in a recent game against the Maple Leafs. Fellow defenseman Pavel Mintyukov returned to the lineup after missing one game with a lower-body ailment. Forward Cutter Gauthier exited the last game with an upper-body injury, and his condition is pending further evaluation.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres anticipate potential returns tonight, with defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Jordan Greenway possibly available. However, the timeline for forward Noah Ostlund remains uncertain, with his status ranging from day-to-day to a potentially longer absence.
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche forward Nic Roy is expected to resume skating this week and is projected to return to action well before the playoffs commence. Star defenseman Cale Makar left the last game with an upper-body injury after taking a hit from Adam Klapka. Makar completed his shift and two subsequent ones but did not return for the third period. His condition is currently under evaluation, with an update expected soon.
Cale Makar did not return to the game after taking this hit from Adam Klapka in the second period. pic.twitter.com/jbabyg4PWi
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 31, 2026
Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars forward Sam Steel is projected to be sidelined for at least a week.
Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
New York Islanders
Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo (lower-body) has not yet resumed skating. Meanwhile, defenseman Alexander Romanov has been skating for three consecutive days in a no-contact jersey, indicating progress in his recovery.
Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson will not play in tonight’s game.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin remained out of the lineup for last night’s game.
Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas (upper-body) did not participate in practice yesterday and will be out of tonight’s game, with his absence expected to last “a little while.”
A head-on collision left Dowd cut open and Protas needing some help off the ice pic.twitter.com/uPox3U7vxX
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 29, 2026
In more positive news for the Capitals, forward Pierre-Luc Dubois, who took a maintenance day yesterday, is cleared and ready to play tonight.
Winnipeg Jets
During Winnipeg Jets practice, forwards Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov, along with defenseman Colin Miller, skated in no-contact jerseys, suggesting they are progressing toward a return to play.
