A weekly look at the latest NHL injury news – whatever we can dig up in this ‘Top Secret’, CIA world…

New Additions

Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals – Head –Day-to-Day

Backstrom is no longer with the team and has returned to Washington after the blow to the head from Calgary's Rene Bourque. The Cap's are not calling it a concussion….yet!

Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins – Knee – Mid-Late February

Stall is the latest star to join the Penguins infirmary. Stall has torn ligaments in his knee. Surgery does not seem to be required, but he’s out for the rest of this month and well into February.

Jeff Carter, Columbus Blue Jackets – Shoulder – Indefinite

The nightmare season for Columbus continues as Carter is back on the IR. This time he has suffered a separated shoulder. There is still no time frame for his return, but another 4-6 weeks is a fair guess.

Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks – Wrist – Three-to-Four Weeks

As Dobber pointed out in the daily ramblings, Sharp is typically a quick healer and often returns sooner rather than later.

Jordan Eberle, Edmonton Oilers – Knee – Two-to-Three Weeks

Eberle had an MRI and the results indicate he will not require surgery and will miss two-to-three weeks, or about six-to-nine games.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Minnesota Wild – Concussion – Indefinite

This is extremely bad news for Bouchard. He is another example of a player, who's career has been marred with concussion injuries. Bouchard's career is in jeopardy much the same as Marc Savard and Peter Mueller.

Jacob Markstrom, Florida Panthers – Knee – Indefinite

Markstrom will undergo a minor knee surgery today. This will be his second in as many years. With Theodore already out with a knee injury, Scott Clemmensen will assume the starting mantle in Florida.

Updates from Last Night's Games

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings – Lower Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Datsyuk did not start last night's game in Long Island with an undisclosed lower body injury. The Red Wings tweeted that it is not serious and they hope he will be available soon.

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators – Upper Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Karlsson participated in the morning skate but was unable to play in last night's game in Pittsburgh. Bruce Garrioch tweeted today that Karlsson is not in today's practice.

Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres – Upper Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Vanek left Tuesday’s game in Toronto in the first period and did not return. Originally suspected to be as a result of a Dion Phaneuf hit, the Sabres are saying it is the flu. Vanek is not at today's practice.

Zach Bogosian, Winnipeg Jets – Lower Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Bogosian also left the game last night with an undisclosed lower body injury. No word on the nature of the injury or any time frame for a return.

Brian Gionta, Montreal Canadiens – Upper Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Gionta recently returned to the Hab's lineup after missing time with a lower body injury, left last night's game against St. Louis with an upper body injury. No details at this time.

Back in action, or Coming Soon

There are a lot of updates on players making progress or returning to action. Here is a quick look.

Mike Green returned and played a game and a half before reinjuring his groin. Erik Johnson did not play in Colorado's last game with a hand injury that is day-to-day. Star's Mike Ribeiro who has a MCL tear plans to play wearing a knee brace and is also day-to-day. Derek Roy and Tyler Bozak were both absent from last night's Leafs Sabres game with shoulder injuries. Both could return for the rematch on Friday. Sheldon Souray and James Neal both returned to action last night. Neal had a broken bone in his foot magically heal to a bruise overnight. Some news from concussion victims, Jeff Skinner, Andy MacDonald, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang these players have begun to resume skating and light workouts. None have been cleared for contact and all remain week-to-week. Flames Mark Giordano made a surprise early return to the ice. He was assumed to be out for the season but is way ahead of schedule as he has begun to practice on the ice. The news was not so good for Edmonton's Tom Gilbert who was the victim of Dan Carcillo's dirty hit. Gilbert has been downgraded from day-to-day to out four weeks. Goalie Jonas Hiller and Jose Theodore are getting closer to returning. Theodore is back in practice with the Panthers, while Hiller is travelling with the team again. After losing seven games in a row, Buffalo hopes to get Christian Ehrhoff back as he has begun skating. He may still be a week or two away yet. And finally, look for New Jersey to have Travis Zajac back in the lineup tonight as they continue a road trip in Edmonton.