Injury Ward: Who Is Ready For Opening Night?

Brennan Des

2018-10-03


Another season, another set of injuries. Here’s hoping your players never appear on this list!

Ondrej KaseThe Ducks’ forward is out indefinitely with a concussion. When we learned that Corey Perry would miss the next five months while recovering from knee surgery, a big spot opened up for Ondrej Kase. While this news is extremely unfortunate for Kase, it means someone like Troy Terry should step into an even bigger role on a Ducks’ team that doesn’t have very many healthy right wingers.

Ryan KeslerWill travel with the team as the Ducks open their season in San Jose on Wednesday. While he won’t play in the actual game, he will participate in the morning skate. Honestly, I don’t even know what to make of that. I don’t think Kesler will be back in the lineup before next week, so hopefully I’ll have a more substantial update for you then!

Alex GalchenyukWhile he hasn’t been cleared to skate yet, he continues to rehab and work out off-ice. According to General Manager John Chayka, “he should be able to bounce back relatively quickly”. Expect him back within the next couple of weeks.

Torey KrugDon’t you love it when a defenseman you drafted gets injured in the last game of the preseason?! Isn’t that just your favourite thing in the world!? In Boston’s final preseason contest, Krug suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out of the lineup for AT LEAST the next three weeks. After that three-week period, he’ll shed the walking boot and doctors will take another look at him. While this is the same ankle Krug broke at the end of last season, this injury is reportedly unrelated.

Patrice BergeronAll signs point toward Bergeron being in the lineup when Boston opens up their season against the Capitals on Wednesday. He totalled 63 points in 64 games last season and is an integral member of what is arguably the best line in the league.

Scott Darling –  The Hurricanes’ goaltender will miss the next couple of weeks with what he deemed a “minor little injury”. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no major issues, and Darling seems to think this is more precautionary than anything else.

Corey CrawfordHas been medically cleared to play! Coach Joel Quenneville likes what he has seen from Crawford and is optimistically targeting October 18 as a potential return date. It’s interesting to note that Quenneville deemed Crawford ’100 percent’, while Crawford himself said he still wasn’t 100 percent (but very close). If you want to know exactly when Crawford will be returning to action, follow me on Twitter @BrennanDeSouza!

Seth JonesA knee sprain will keep the Blue Jackets’ defenseman out for the next three to five weeks. While it’s going to be slightly more difficult now, I still expect Jones to surpass the 50-point mark this season. Zach Werenski should see an increase in value during Jones’ absence.

Valeri NichushkinCurrently day-to-day with a lower-body injury. While his status for Dallas’ season opener on Saturday is still up in the air, I’d say he’s more likely to play than not. I’m expecting more offense from the Stars this season under new head coach Jim Montgomery, who seems content to let his talented players do their thing. I think exposure to Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Alex Radulov can result in a 45-point season, give or take a few points.

Mike GreenThe Red Wings’ defenseman will miss a month of action due to a virus that is attacking his liver. While he has been able to skate every now and then, the illness is causing fatigue and depleting Green of his energy.  Don’t look at Detroit’s opening night defensive lineup if you have a weak stomach, or own Jimmy Howard in your fantasy league…

Dustin BrownThe Kings’ forward is out indefinitely with a broken finger. I honestly can’t point to one single player in LA’s lineup that sees a huge increase in value because of this. Obviously, guy like Kovalchuk, Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli might see increased roles, but I don’t expect one player to replace Brown for the duration of his absence. As a result, I’m going to hold off on recommending any waiver wire additions until I see LA play a few games.

Cory SchneiderThe Devils’ goaltender will not start on Saturday as the team kicks off a new season with a game against the Edmonton Oilers. Schneider is about five months into the five to six-month recovery timetable that came after offseason hip surgery. He continues to work out off-ice, maintaining high levels of fitness and conditioning. The team seems pleased with his progress, but will allow him to fully recover now instead of risking any further complications down the road.  

Brady Tkachuk – Doubtful for Thursday’s season opener with a small “nagging thing”. I really don’t know what that means. I really don’t know what’s going on in Ottawa. But one thing I do know, if your friend is a Sens fan, they could use a hug right now. 

Daniel SprongRecently practiced with teammates while wearing a non-contact jersey, and should be a full participant in Wednesday’s practice. If everything goes right, Sprong will be in the lineup on Thursday when the Penguins host the Capitals. In the event he isn’t ready for that game, he should play against the Habs on Saturday.

Tyler JohnsonCurrently a 50-50 chance Johnson is in Saturday’s opening lineup. Flip a coin, heads he plays, tails he doesn’t.

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Alex TuchWas placed on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, and will not play in the first two games of the season. He’ll be eligible to return on Monday when Vegas takes on Buffalo, but that depends on how he’s feeling.

Will ________ be in the lineup on Opening night?  

Quite a few players were dealing with minor injuries in the days leading up to the regular season. Since many of their recoveries weren’t publicized, I figured I’d try and put your mind at ease.

Rasmus RistolainenYes.

Conor ShearyYes.

Micheal FerlandYes.

Ty RattieYes.

Keith YandleYes.

Aaron EkbladYes.

Alexander SteenYes.

Nikita KucherovYes.

Zach HymanYes.

 

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