This week in the IR report Howard, Nuge, updates… and some star players return.

New Additions

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings – Broken Finger – Indefinite

The original prognosis on Howards return was a little optimistic at "a few days". The team has since updated the time table for his return with a more realistic sounding four to six weeks.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers – Shoulder – Day-to-Day

The Nuge aggravated his previous shoulder injury in Monday's game in Toronto. The initial timetable for his return is currently listed as seven to 10 days.

Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars –Neck – Day-to-Day

Morrow who has been plagued by shoulder and neck injuries all season is back on the injured list. The earliest he can possibly return is Friday.

Travis Hamonic, New York Islanders – Facial Injury – Day-to-Day

Hamonic was struck in the face by a shot from Buffalos Christian Ehrhoff. He required surgery to repair a broken nose. Expect him to wear a cage and return within two or three games.

Scottie Upshall, Florida Panthers – Abdomen – Indefinite

Upshall has only managed to play 17 games this season due to groin injuries. It was looking as though he was about to return but he has suffered a setback. Upshall is now schedule to undergo sports hernia surgery on Thursday that will keep him out for four to six weeks.

Adam Larsson, New Jersey Devils – Back – Day-to-Day

Larsson suffered a bruised back from a P.K. Subban check. He has already missed three games and is day-to-day.

Updates

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins – Concussion/neck – Indefinite

Crosby was able to participate in a light optional practice on Tuesday. Perhaps he is making some progress since last week's soft tissue discovery. While this is very promising news there is still no timetable for his return and we probably won’t find out anymore until – at best – the day before he actually returns.

Jose Theodore & Jacob Markstrom, Florida Panthers – Knee – Day-to-Day

Both goalies are making progress in their return from knee injuries and have resumed skating and practice. Theodore is closer to a return, perhaps by the weekend, while Markstroms return date is still unclear and will likely see time in the minors when he is ready.

Simon Gagne, Los Angeles Kings – Concussion – Indefinite

Gagne has made little progress and is still unable to any physical activity. Given his history of concussions there is little chance he returns soon. This is very concerning for his career and long term health.

Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild – Shoulder – Day-to-Day

Koivu is very close to returning and should be in Thursday's game against Vancouver.

Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens – Knee – Indefinite

Markov has resumed light skating and was on the ice in Montreal Saturday where he went through specific movement drills for team doctor and the GM Pierre Gauthier. Gauthier said "the knee has been sound since December first but the complications have been with the swelling in other areas" as reported by CBC.

Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils – Achilles – Day-to-Day

Zajac will have his surgically repaired Achilles tendon examined by a doctor in Winnipeg on Wednesday. The injury is slow to heal and there may be cause for concern. GM Lou Lamoriello however is optimistic as he said "All indications are he'll be fine" The team will have a clearer indication on Thursday.

Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins – Knee – Indefinite

Staal has resumed skating and was involved in practice on Monday. His progress is right on track as he is expected to make his return within a week.

Thomas Vanek, Buffalo Sabres – Upper Body Injury – Day-to-Day

Vanek skated on Tuesday but will not play in Wednesday's game. He is very close to a return.

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche – Knee – Indefinite

Duchene skated before practice on Monday as he begins to rehab and get into game shape. He is a week or probably two away.

Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals – Concussion – Indefinite

On January 23 Backstrom was back on ice for a short five minute workout and team officials were pleased with his progress. He has not been on the ice since and seems to have suffered a setback.

Alex Steen & Andy McDonald, St. Louis Blues – Concussion – Day-to-Day

Both forwards continue to miss time from concussions. Steen is not travelling with the team on their current road trip, and McDonald is still at least four games away as well.

Recent Returns

The Winnipeg Jets have both Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien back in the line up. Jeff Carter who has trade rumors surrounding him has made his return from a shoulder injury. Daniel Briere made his return from concussion on Tuesday night for Philadelphia.