This week we take a quick look at injury updates around the league. When I say quick look, I mean quick look. Once the regular season starts, we’ll spend more time analyzing how each injury affects the injured player’s team. For now, we’ll keep it short and sweet…

Ryan Kesler – While he did practice with his teammates on Sunday, he has not been medically cleared for contact. Coach Randy Carlyle said there’s “a long way before medical clearance is going to come as far as him joining our full group and back into our NHL roster”. Carlyle went on to inform us that even after Kesler is cleared for contact, he’s going to need at least a week before he plays a game. Don’t expect him to play in the season opener on October 3.

Corey Perry – Suffered a lower-body injury while warming up for Monday’s pre-season game, currently being evaluated.

Patrick Eaves – Hasn’t been cleared for contact. Hasn’t practiced with his teammates. He has made encouraging progress, but he isn’t going to return any time soon. 

Alex Galchenyuk – Week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Won’t be ready for opening night. More details are expected after practice on Wednesday, so follow me on Twitter @BrennanDeSouza to see those details!

Patrice Bergeron – Skated before Monday’s practice, but still hasn’t practiced with the team. While Coach Bruce Cassidy is planning for Bergeron to play in the season opener, back spasms might prevent the Bruins’ forward from seeing any pre-season action.

Torey Krug – Has been taking contact in practice, and might even play in Wednesday’s pre-season contest against the Red Wings. Very close to a return!

Micheal Ferland – A lower-body injury has the Hurricanes’ forward listed as day-to-day. Definitely won’t see any more pre-season action, but his status for the season opener is still up in the air.

Corey Crawford – Has made encouraging progress, but Coach Joel Quenneville revealed that it would be a stretch to see Crawford in the season opener. The Blackhawks’ goalie has not yet participated in a team practice, but that might change by the end of the week.  

Zach Werenski – The Blue Jackets’ defenseman plans to play in Friday’s pre-season game, and is currently on track to play in the season opener on October 4.

Seth Jones – Left Tuesday’s pre-season contest with a lower-body injury. No further updates are available right now, but he will be evaluated some time on Wednesday.

Mikko Rantanen – Has been dealing with a minor leg injury that he suffered in last Thursday’s practice. Doesn’t sound too serious, so he should be ready for the season opener!

Mike Green – Still no timetable for his return, but the worst of his viral infection seems to be behind him. It’s going to take some time for Green to get his energy back and return to the fast-paced game of hockey. Don’t be surprised if he misses the season opener, but don’t expect him to miss too much time after that.

Cory Schneider – The Devils play their final pre-season game in Switzerland and kick off the season in Sweden. Cory Schneider will be travelling to both of those countries with his team. He has participated in a full team practice and has made great strides in his recovery from offseason hip surgery. It’s interesting to note that Schneider wasn’t allowed to train during the summer because he had to avoid aggravating his hip. So, he might need a bit more time to get ready for this season.

Sean Couturier – The Flyers’ forward left Saturday’s practice early and was followed by trainer Jim McCrossin. Considering Couturier has suffered two knee injuries in the past year, there is some concern he’s not yet at 100%. With that being said, I haven’t seen a substantial update from the team regarding Couturier’s current status.

Robby Fabbri – Grade 1 groin strain. Isn’t he a little too old to be in grade one? Jokes aside, I wish him a speedy recovery, he has barely had an opportunity to show us what he can do at the NHL level! Fabbri is going to take some time off and will be re-evaluated on Thursday. 

Tyler Johnson – Suffered an upper-body injury during Sunday’s practice. While the team doesn’t expect Johnson to be out long term, there’s no guarantee he can play in the season opener on October 6.

Nikita Kucherov – Left Tuesday’s game with a lower-body injury. Apparently, it was more of a precautionary measure and Kucherov is fine. Should be ready for the season opener!

Zach Hyman – Got cross-checked in the hip. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem serious enough to keep him out of the season opener.