The All-Star break offers players a mid-season reprieve and a chance to clear up the injured reserve list.

New additions

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks – Hand-Wrist – Indefinite

There are conflicting reports surrounding the severity of Toews injury and even the exact nature of his injury. Officially he is listed as having an upper body injury, and is day-to-day. An ESPN report suggests Toews sustained a hand or wrist injury as a result of a slash from Eric Gudbranson of the Florida Panthers.  "Took a whack on the hand," Toews said after Friday's game. "Nothing serious. Should be ready for tomorrow [Saturday] night." Toews missed the Saturday and Tuesday games. Toews was then placed on injured reserve Tuesday and announced he will not participate in the All-Star game.  The Hawks next game is January 31 when they host Vancouver, hopefully Toews is ready to play in that game.

Jaromir Jagr, Philadelphia Flyers – Groin – Day-to-Day

Jagr left Saturday's game in the first period after aggravating a groin injury. Jagr missed the next two games but is expected to return after the All-Star break.

Brenden morrow, Dallas Stars – Neck – Day-to-Day

Dallas placed Morrow on the injured reserve list retroactive to January 21^st when he suffered a neck injury in the game against the Minnesota Wild.

Dmitry Kulikov, Florida Panthers – Knee – 6-8 Weeks

Kulikov had knee surgery January 24 and will be out 6-8 weeks.

Nikita Nikitin, Columbus Blue Jackets – Knee – Week-to-Week

Nikitin had a violent crash into the end boards after a shove from Henrik Zetterberg. Nikitin was seen with ice on his left knee at Sundays practice. "We don't know how long it's going to be," Richards said. "It's week to week right now." Todd Richards told Blue jackets Xtra.

Henrik Tallinder, New Jersey Devils – Blood Clot – 6-8 Weeks

An MRI confirmed the cause of escalating pain in his leg is the result of a blood clot.

Latest Concussion Victims

Evander Kane, Winnipeg Jets – Concussion –Day-to-Day

Kane was placed in the injured reserve retroactive to January 19 but is only listed as day-to-day

Nathan Horton, Boston Bruins – Concussion – Day-to-Day

Horton suffered a "mild" concussion on Sunday and is day-to-day. Horton suffered what must be a serious concussion less than a year ago in the Stanley Cup Finals. The team hopes he will be over his "mild" headaches by Tuesday when the Bruins host the Senators.

Daniel Briere, Philadelphia Flyers – Concussion – Indefinitely

Philly.com reports Briere had a tough game Saturday against New Jersey. In the game Briere was flattened three times by Anton Volchenkov, once in the first, and again in the third Volchenkov levied big hits on the diminutive Briere. Volchenkov also cross-checked Briere face-first to the ice. On top of all that Briere also received a punch in the face and a high stick in the head. After the game, Briere looked dazed, and he said he did not know which hit caused the concussion.

Jochen Hecht, Buffalo Sabres – Concussion – Indefinitely

Hecht is out again with another concussion. This will be his second this season, and third in less than a year.

Updates

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars – Abdomen – Day-to-Day

Benn is on the injured reserve after undergoing appendectomy surgery. Benn participated in the team practice on Tuesday and is expected to participate in the All-Star game.

Ed Jovanovski, Florida Panthers – Broken Hand – Indefinitely

After seeing a specialist Jovo had surgery to repair his broken hand.

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

Backstrom returned to the ice on Monday to join the Caps in practice. He was wearing a non-contact jersey which tells me he is still at least seven or 10 days away. Expect him back by February 4^th when Washington is in Montreal to play against Rene Bourque.

Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning – Concussion – Indefinitely

Hedman also returned to practice sporting a non-contact jersey.

Joni Pitkanen Carolina Hurricanes – Concussion – Indefinitely

Pitkanen has suffered a set back in his concussion recovery and is not expected back until March

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers, Shoulder – Day-to-Day

The Nuge will not be available for the All-Star skills competition this weekend but should be ready to come back soon after the break.