Injury Report: Running down all the injuries impacting the players in the World Cup of Hockey…

Hey Poolies! Welcome back to the most depressing column of the season!

As we get the ball rolling there’s not exactly a wealth of injured player information. That being said, we’ve already had a few drop out of the World Cup, and some are still recovering from mid-summer surgery. I don’t think many of them will be out for the start of the season, but those playing on a World Cup team might not be able to say the same once the tournament comes to a close.

David Krejci – After surgery in April, Krejci was supposed to be on the shelf for five months. That’ll keep him out of action until late September, so he might not play for the Czech team. That being said, he’s trying “to get 100 percent” before he suits up for any games. Apparently the hip injury has been nagging him for a couple of years now, so hopefully the surgery will help him crack the 70-point mark again this season (he has been on 70-point pace twice in the last three years, so it’s not all bad news).

Torey Krug – Krug underwent should surgery in late April as well, but his recovery time was projected at six months. He’s a risk to miss time at training camp, and might even miss the season opener. While he’s been skating, he isn’t taking shots or making much use of his shoulder. Don’t be too bummed, Krug owners. He’s expected to make a full recovery, and last year he set career highs in shots on goal and assists.

Phil Kessel – The star of the Penguins’ best line of the playoffs managed the feat with a hand injury. He had surgery for it afterwards, but wasn’t expected to miss time. Despite moving from a team that had Tyler Bozak as its number one center to one that boasts Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, last year was a low point in his career in terms of point totals. The hand injury likely explains a lot of that, but he had 35 points in the back half of the season, so maybe growing pains could’ve been the problem too. With his own line, chemistry, and top PP1 minutes, expect him to rebound nicely. He also hasn’t missed a game since 2010, so despite any worries from the Pens, there’s zero reason to drop him down any draft lists.

Claude Giroux – Like Krejci, Giroux also went through hip surgery after the end of his season. Unlike Krejci though, he’s much more likely to join his national team as he’s fully recovered and ready for action.

Jamie Benn – Benn bowed out of the World Cup and was replaced by Logan Couture because of a core muscle injury, but will be 100% to start the season. He should be at the top of most draft lists as he’s a major contributor in every major stat category.

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Duncan Keith – Like Benn, Keith’s knee injury will prevent him from participating in the World Cup. He’s been replaced by Jay Bouwmeester, giving Team Canada two Blues, two Kings, and two Sharks to add to their D corps. While Keith shouldn’t miss any time once the season starts, his high-scoring days are likely inflating his value. He’s unlikely to hit 60 points again, but his brand-name power will likely get you a little extra in trades.

Ryan Callahan – Callahan had surgery to repair a right labral tear. For those of us that didn’t to go med school, that’s another hip surgery for the list. His injury will take quite some time before he’s ready to play, as he went under the knife in June. He was projected to recover in five months, which means he’ll miss a significant portion of the season.

Cory Schneider – Schneider is looking forward to using the World Cup to get into midseason form and make up for time lost rehabbing after core muscle surgery. Barring any horrific turn of events in the World Cup, he should be good to go as the Devils’ No.1 netminder, for whatever that’s worth.

James van Riemsdyk – JVR’s season ended prematurely with a fractured foot, but he’s raring to go with a whole new supporting cast in Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and top pick Auston Matthews. Between the latter two, Tyler Bozak, and Nazem Kadri, the Maple Leafs are looking pretty strong down the middle. As a winger, that’s nothing but good news for JVR.  

Roberto Luongo – The last of our hip surgeries, Luongo feels that he won’t miss any time to start the season. He doesn’t have the World Cup to worry about either, so feel free to expect the three-time Vezina finalist to put together another great season between the pipes – and he could be back by Game 1. Play it safe for now and expect a return mid- to late- October.

Mike Cammalleri – The Devils’ top-line winger will be ready to start the season, but hasn’t hit the 70-game mark in seven years. His injury woes likely won’t surface for a little while, but he’s a Band-Aid Boy. Keep that in mind in case you’re thinking of employing his fantasy services.

As always, thanks for reading, and follow me on Twitter for more frequent injury updates and general hockey-related tomfoolery! @AjayDaCosta, in case that address bar is too far away.