The playoffs are just over the horizon and the trade deadline is even closer. What impact will injuries have on both?

New Additions

Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina Hurricanes – Upper Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Chip Alexander reports that Carolina GM Jim Rutherford announced Ruutu will be out for about three weeks. With the trade deadline a week and a half away and Rutherford attempting to resign Ruutu, who is a pending UFA Rutherford said “The fact that we’d like him to stay and like to re-sign him has not changed in any way.”

Carl Gunnarsson, Toronto Maple Leafs – Ankle Sprain – Day-to-Day

The news is good for the Leafs as Gunnarsson has suffered a slight lower-ankle sprain, and is only expected to miss about seven days. Initially it was feared to be far worse. "It's not bad; it's not a high ankle sprain like we feared," Ron Wilson told the Toronto Sun

Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames – Arm/Shoulder – Mid-Late march

It is unclear if Backlund suffered his injury in a fight with Andrew Alberts, or as the result of a hit from Alex Edler. Regardless his arm is in a sling and he will be out four-to-six weeks.

Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers – Upper Body – Day-to-Day

Voracek left Sunday's game and did not return. He is only listed as day-to-day and may be ready to return as soon as Thursday.

Jason Garrison, Florida Panthers – Lower Body Injury – Seven to Ten Days

Speculation is that Garrison has a foot injury. Garrison blocked a shot that shattered his skate guard on Saturday. He was not wearing a boot or cast and was walking alone without a limp the next day.

Matt D'Agostini, St. Louis Blues – Head – Day-to-Day

The Blues are being very tight lipped about D'Agostini injury. It is officially listed as "head" but it may be a concussion as he was placed on the injured reserve on Sunday.

Marc Methot, Columbus Blue Jackets – Broken Jaw – Indefinite

Methot has his jaw wired shut as a result of being struck in the face with a shot. His jaw was cracked in two spots, both requiring surgery and plates installed. His jaw will be wired shut for five weeks and he will be on a liquid diet for that time. His season is very likely finished.

Updates

Mike Green, Washington Capitals – Abdomen – Day-to-Day

Green practiced for the first time on Tuesday and was in full practice on Wednesday morning. He could possibly return as soon as this weekend according to the Washington Post. "It's just a matter of me getting into shape and getting myself firing, but today I have a smile on my face. I haven't felt like this for a long time." Green said.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins –Concussion/Neck – Indefinite

Crosby was back on the ice on Tuesday after the team practice with the teams' strength and conditioning coach. Stephania Bell has an insightful article on the Crosby injury on ESPN

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche – Knee – Day-to-Day

Duchene has been skating for a week now, and Tuesday was in practice wearing a non-contact jersey. Duchene could return in about a week's time.

Concussion updates

There has been no progress or updates on the recovery of Nicklas Backstrom, James Van Riemsdyk, Nathan Horton, Simon Gagne, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Guillaume Latendresse, Alex Steen, Jochen Hecht, Joni Pitkanen, Patrick Eaves, and Michael Sauer.

Back in Action

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings – Finger – Day-to-Day

Howard is back in practice with the team and has been taking shots. Mike Babcock has announced he will get the start on Sunday against San Jose and did not rule out the possibility of a Friday start against Nashville.

Jordan Staal made his return from knee injury. Wild captain Mikko Koivu has returned from a shoulder injury. Thomas Vanek has returned to help the Sabres push for the playoffs. Andy McDonald and Matt D'Agostini trade places as D'Agostini is out, and McDonald returns from concussion. Florida Panthers are missing three key defenders but welcomed back starting goalie Jose Theodore. Ryan Malone returns from an upper body injury amid trade deadline speculation.