Welcome to the Injury Ward. My name is Chad Simpson and for the next few weeks I'll be your Injury Ward information guru as we look at new and old injuries and the latest information that can be gleaned from them. For those of you who don’t know me, I recently filled in a couple of weeks for Frozen Tools Forensics and have written for several sites covering both redraft and dynasty for the big-four sports. I am a diehard Sabres fan so the only time I get to talk about good players is when I write these articles.

Jonathan Marchessault/NSH (Lower Body) – Marchessault has missed the first two games of this week with a lower body injury that has him Day-to-Day. In most scenarios a player like March would be a clear hold through a DTD injury, however, this is likely a scenario where the roster spot is more valuable. First and foremost, this has been a forgettable year for him mustering just 49 points in 73 games on pace for his worst full season since his first season in Vegas. The Predators also play three times in the next seven days and just seven more times total with no guarantee March plays more than a couple of those games it would be significantly more valuable to use that roster spot to stream.

Elias Pettersson/VAN (Undisclosed) – It was reported Tuesday that while Pettersson hasn't been ruled out for the regular season, he has only just returned to skating as of the time of writing. The Canucks are six points out with eight games left. They play three more times this week where he will absolutely have no chance of playing and by the end of it the Canucks could be eliminated from contention for the final WC slot which would likely close the door completely for Pettersson. If you find yourself in a dire situation he should be safe to drop in redraft leagues.

Filip Chytil/VAN (Concussion) – Chytil is out for the rest of the regular season with a concussion. A brutal end to a bad season which saw Chytil's fresh start after going from the Rangers to the Canucks derailed on March 15th. Hopefully the 25-year-old can bounce back in 2025-26

Brady Tkachuk/OTT (Upper Body) – Tkachuk did not suit up Tuesday versus the Sabres following his injury Sunday in an overtime loss to the Penguins. He will next get a chance to suit up Thursday. With likely many fantasy playoff runs depending on his return, my own included. Let us hope this is just a one game absence for the multi-category stud.

Josh Norris/BUF (Undisclosed) – Norris did not travel with the team for Tuesday's game for Ottawa. At this point Norris should safely be a drop as there is very little reason for the Sabres to rush the oft injured but talented Norris as they fight tooth and nail for position in the draft lottery as a bottom-five team. 

Ilya Samsonov/VGK (Upper Body) – After being a late scratch on Saturday Samsonov missed a second consecutive game Tuesday due to an Upper-Body injury, with the Knights calling upon Akira Schmid. Samsonov can safely be dropped despite being a quality option when he plays. There is no guarantee even if he misses no more time that he is in net more than once before the fantasy season ends.

Tomas Hertl/VGK (Shoulder) – Hertl has been ruled out for the entire week with his shoulder injury.  With the Golden Knights likely to be locked into facing the top Wild Card spot by the end of the week I don't see a scenario where Hertl comes back before then and if he does I think it will likely be a reduced role just to warm him up for the playoffs. If a roster spot is needed I would drop him.

Rasmus Ristolainen/PHI (Upper Body) – Ristolainen has been ruled out for the rest of the season. A tough end to Ristolainen's season which saw his name frequently in trade discussion before he ultimately stayed just to get hurt. 

Evgeni Malkin/PIT (Upper Body) – Malkin missed a third consecutive game Sunday with an upper body injury. His next opportunity to play will be Saturday. The talk is generally positive so there is a real chance he plays during this next stretch of games. If he doesn't play it is important to note that Kevin Hayes who had originally filled in for the second line centre role was replaced by Rickard Rakell. If Malkin continues to sit it could be a nice little play during the final stretch. Additionally, with Rakell moved off the top line, Rutger Mcgroarty lined up with Crosby and Rust.

Connor Zary/CGY (Knee) – Zary has been listed as Week-to-Week by the Flames. While not overly relevant as this still likely means he does not return this season it is a much better outcome as the injury was particularly brutal looking with many expecting a potential for missing a large chunk of next season as well. Great news for dynasty owners of the 23-year-old.

Stuart Skinner/EDM (Head) – Skinner has missed the last three games with a head injury sustained last Wednesday. Skinner is reportedly about a week away from returning and if you can hold onto him I think he can provide some quality outings in leagues that are still going next week with matchups vs the Ducks and Sharks looming.

That does it for this week's Injury Ward. Stay tuned for the next edition where we wrap up the regular season and the last of traditional fantasy playoffs as we look ahead to postseason formats. You can find me on X @caochadttv and on Blue Sky @caochadttv.bsky.social.