Injury Ward: Olympic Edition
Aaron
2014-02-20
As the Olympics are winding down its time to check out the latest injury news as NHL and fantasy hockey starts back up next week.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Adam McQuaid (leg) was back at practice on Thursday without restrictions.
Marian Gaborik (clavicle) participated in full practice two days in a row; he received clearance for contact on Wednesday. He is targeting a returning on February 27.
Henrik Zetterberg (back) seeing a doctor on Thursday in Detroit but a Swedish team doctor believes his season is likely over.
Johan Franzen (concussion) is symptom-free but is not ready to declare himself ready for action.
Jakub Kindl (knee) is on track to be ready for first game back after Olympic break.
Stephen Weiss (groin) will go to Grand Rapids (AHL) to play on Sunday for a conditioning stint. He is expected to be ready to go for first game after Olympics on Wednesday.
Tomas Kopecky (concussion) is out indefinitely with a probable concussion that he suffered at the Olympics.
Aleksander Barkov (knee) was seen walking around with crutches, still no word on exact injury. Reports suggest that he will miss 4-6 weeks so he could miss rest of the season.
Alex Galchenyuk (hand) has been cleared to play once NHL starts back up.
John Tavares (knee) will miss the rest of the NHL season after tearing his left MCL at the Olympics.
Frans Nielsen (hand) is expected to miss the first week after the Olympic break.
Mats Zuccarello (hand) will see the doctors on Thursday in New York and will likely be out three weeks after breaking his hand at the Olympics.
Chris Phillips (lower body) practiced on Wednesday and looks fully recovered from a hip injury.
Kris Letang (illness) will miss the remainder of the season and likely the playoffs.
Pascal Dupuis (knee) had successful ACL and MCL surgery and has begun his rehab.
Tomas Vokoun (pelvis) is medically cleared to play and has practiced the last two days.
Valtteri Filppula (ankle) is out about three weeks and it's been just about two weeks. He could be back skating shortly after the Olympics.
Steven Stamkos (leg) has an open-ended timetable according to Tampa Bay Lightning head coach John Cooper, the Lightning are hoping he will be ready for the Nashville Predators on Thursday of next week.
Tyler Johnson (foot) missed practice on Wednesday with a bruised foot, not expected to miss any time.
Matt Carle (foot) missed practice on Wednesday, as he needed a maintenance day, no word on actual injury.
Ben Bishop (upper body) is back practicing and is expecting to be fine by next week.
Dave Bolland (ankle) is almost ready to return to action but it may not be till after a couple games back from the Olympic break.
Mike Green (concussion) has passed neuropsychological tests and is cleared for contact.
Mikhail Grabovski (ankle) said he is hopeful to be ready once the NHL resumes after the Olympic break. According to Washington Capitals head coach Adam Oates Grabovski "seems fine" after skating at the last practice.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Viktor Fasth (lower body) is 100% healthy according to Anaheim Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau.
Curtis Glencross (ankle) skated on his own on Thursday for a second straight day but still not ready to return.
Karri Ramo (knee) is working out and skating but Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley isn't sure is he will be ready for next Thursday's game.
Alex Tanguay (hip) will undergo hip surgery and miss the remainder of the NHL season.
Jason Zucker (leg) will be kept off his skates for another week and will miss the Minnesota Wild's upcoming road trip.
Niklas Backstrom (abdomen) saw an abdominal specialist over the Olympic break but is not divulging much info.
Josh Harding (MS) has no change in his status, which makes it seem less likely he will return this season.
Mikko Koivu (ankle) is cautiously optimistic about returning next week after practicing for the first time since injury on Wednesday.
Pekka Rinne (hip) said after practice on Thursday the he "was on the ice way longer than yesterday and feeling good. It's a really good sign." No timetable yet.
Logan Couture (hand) was back at practice on Wednesday with the San Jose Sharks and hopes to be ready once the season starts back up.
Henrik Sedin (ribs) and Kevin Bieksa (undisclosed) are expected to skate by themselves on Thursday according to Vancouver Canucks head coach John Tortorella.
Evander Kane (hand) says his hand is now fully healed and is ready to go.
Tobias Enstrom (lower body) is day-to-day with a lower body injury.