Welcome to the September 30, 2026 edition of Injury Ward! 

We are back, Hockey People! The NHL dropped the puck on the 2026-27 season last night and, if you haven't already done so, be sure to check out the other Dobber Hockey articles right here for any news you may have missed: we're talking trades, scores, line combinations, because didn't you hear – hockey is back! Right now though, let's get up to date on the sick, injured, beleaguered, and ailing.

Brock Faber (D) – MIN – out indefinitely – Brock Faber suffered a skull fracture during Friday's preseason contest against the Dallas Stars and his current timeline for recovery is unknown, per Michael Russo of the Athletic. This injury is a brutal blow for Faber fantasy owners, Jesper Wallstedt enthusiasts, the Minnesota Wild as a team, Brock Faber himself, and just anyone who can imagine fracturing their own skull. It's likely that Wild captain Jared Spurgeon takes over Faber's role on the top pair alongside Quinn Hughes, as well as, quarterbacks the Wild's second power play unit in Faber's absence. 

Bryan Rust (RW) – PIT – week-to-week – Bryan Rust (upper body) was placed on injured reserve by the Pittsburgh Penguins to start the season and is currently considered week-to-week according to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site. Even at 34-years-old, Rust is an impactful fantasy winger who can still threaten for 200 shots, 20 power play points and a near point-per-game pace. Newly acquired Nicholas Robertson may get the luxury of skating alongside Sidney Crosby at even-strength in his absence, but early signs indicate that Rust will be back with the Pens in the next week or two.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (C, LW) – EDM – out indefinitely – Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was unavailable for last night's home opener against Vancouver and is expected to be sidelined for around two weeks with a lower-body injury, per Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels. Vasily Podkolzin took his spot on the top power play and capitalized on the opportunity by scoring a goal with the man advantage. The 25-year-old finished with two goals on seven shots and added five hits and seems worthy of an immediate add, so long as RNH remains sidelined. 

Mathew Barzal (C, RW) – NYI – day-to-day – Per Stefen Rosener of NHL.com, Barzal (knee) was placed on non-roster injured reserve. While this designation means that Barzal can be activated to the roster any time he's ready, it looks like he may miss the New York Islander's first game against the Maple Leafs at the very least.  

Mattias Samuelsson (D) – BUF – injured reserve – According to head coach Lindy Ruff, defenseman Mattias Samuelsson could return to practice as soon as Wednesday (today), per Joe Yerdon of the Bleacher Report. Given his status on injured reserve, the 26-year-old blueliner will likely still miss a couple of games to start the season, but this news trends positively for any fantasy managers currently awaiting the banger darling's return to action.  

Frederik Andersen (G) – EDM – injured reserve – Edmonton Oilers coach Mike Babcock told NHL.com that Frederik Andersen (knee) isn't expected back until "maybe" December. While this is a blow for fantasy hockey managers, the Oilers only really need Andersen to do for them what he did for the Carolina Hurricanes in last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, so this may all be part of the master plan in Edmonton.

Elvis Merzlikins (G) – TOR – Long Term Injured Reserve – Elvis has left the building (and the Columbus Blue Jackets) and will be out 3-5 more months recovering from a shoulder injury, per Luke Fox of Sportsnet. It's possible that Elvis Merzlikins joins his new club sometime in 2027, but with the Toronto Maple Leaf's net locked down by Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz it's doubtful that Merzlikins will have much, if any, fantasy value this season, especially with the 24-year-old Artur Akhtyamov waiting in the wings for an injury call-up. Flip Elvis to an open IR slot or cut him loose in one year leagues.

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. I'll be back here providing injury news and updates every Wednesday, so until then – Happy Hockeying and good luck out there!