Welcome to the October 7, 2026 edition of Injury Ward! 

We are just over one week into the 2026-27 NHL season and the injuries have already begun piling up. Bad luck, wounded superstars, goalie carousels – is it time to panic? No, we've got you covered on the latest injury news right here, so let's dive in to everything you need to know about the sick, injured, beleaguered and ailing. 

Macklin Celebrini (C) – SJS – day-to-day – Celebrini sat out Monday's flop against the Dallas Stars and is considered day-to-day with a lower body injury, per Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the Sharks got blanked 5-0 in the one game superstar Celebrini sat out, after the team started the season with back-to back victories in which their 20-year-old captain amassed five points. It's a positive sign that Macklin Celebrini is still traveling with the team ahead of Thursday's road game against the St. Louis Blues, however, so expect an additional update before then.

Aleksander Barkov (C) – FLA – long term injured reserve – You know a player is unlucky in health when a timeline for recovery of six-to-eight weeks is great news, but that is just how the good times roll for the Finnish forward. Another knee injury has "Sasha" back on LTIR and the only silver lining is that he won't need surgery to address the issue. Anton Lundell provided 44 points (15 on the power play) in 64 games while Barkov was missing time last season, so look for the Panthers to lean heavily on the 25-year-old Fin once again in the meanwhile. On a more positive note, Florida Panther teammate Brad Marchand returned from his injury Sunday and scored a goal on three shots, so it's not all bad news in South Beach. Then again —

Brad Marchand (LW) – FLA – day-to-day – When it rains it pours. At the tail end of Tuesday's late night meeting with the L.A. Kings, Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand had to be helped of the ice after sustaining an apparent leg-injury. No further update was provided post game, but the Panthers have a few days off before their upcoming home game with the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, so expect some clarity to be provided from the team over the coming days. 

Ivan Demidov (RW) – MTL – injured reserve – The Canadiens reported Tuesday that they placed 20-year-old phenom Ivan Demidov on injured reserve for a lower body injury and he is expected to be sidelined for 2-4 weeks. The shifty winger was good for two points in two games before his injury and his absence will open up a spot in the top six, as well as on Candiens' top power play unit. Expect veteran Chris Kreider to steal the power play gig, but the spot in the top six may take a little longer to sort out. Kirby Dach will get the first opportunity, but keep an eye on 23-year-old Zach Bolduc here, too.  

Mikail Sergachev (D) – UTA – day-to-day – 28-year-old defenseman Mikael Sergachev exited Tuesday's dance with the Devils after taking a puck to the head. He sat out the rest of the game, not that your stat sheet would notice the difference as he provided a triplet of assists before his untimely departure. Sergachev has been an absolute stud in the early goings for the Mammoth, compiling six points (including four on the power play), 12 shots, three Hits, six Blocks, and six penalty minutes in four games. Power play duties would seemingly fall to John Marino and/or Mackenzie Weegar if Sergachev is forced to miss time.

Linus Ullmark (G) – OTT – day-to-day – Ullmark left Monday's contest with Boston after Bruin's forward JJ Peterka crashed into the Swedish netminder in the second period. He was unable to suit up for Tuesday's clash with Detroit as well, forcing the Senators to call up former Tampa Bay Lightning back-up Jonas Johansson in his place, but all the news out of Ottawa on the matter has been that these measures were merely precautionary. The next chance fantasy managers will have to see Ullmark between the pipes will be Thursday, October 8 against the stagnant Flyers. Given that Ullmark has stopped 37 of 39 pucks fired his way this season, fantasy managers should be eagerly awaiting the former Vezina Trophy winner's return to action.

That's all for this week, thanks for reading! My name is Garrett Finlay and you can follow me on X @garrett_fi51284 and on Bluesky @garrettfinlay.bsky.social where I am often talking goalies and fantasy hockey. You can also find me Thursday's at Goalie Post trying to breakdown the night's goaltending slate. I'll be back here providing injury news and updates every Wednesday, so until then – Happy Hockeying and good luck out there!