NHL Status Update: Toews Joins Avalanche for Four-Game Road Trip
As the excitement of the NHL season continues to build, we have a fresh NHL Status Report packed with the latest lineup updates and injury news from across the league.
Colorado Avalanche
Devon Toews has rejoined the Colorado Avalanche as they embark on a challenging four-game road trip. However, he unfortunately missed his tenth consecutive game against the Toronto Maple Leafs this past Sunday due to an upper-body injury. The talented defenseman is not only a key player for the Avalanche, but he is also set to represent Team Canada in the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. This season, Toews has contributed significantly with 13 points—comprising one goal and 12 assists—and boasts an impressive plus-26 rating over 40 games played. Additionally, fellow teammate Ross Colton remains sidelined due to a lower-body injury and is currently considered day-to-day. Colton was unable to play in a recent 7-3 defeat against the Philadelphia Flyers and has accumulated 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 48 games this season.
Ottawa Senators
In Ottawa, goalie Linus Ullmark is showing signs of improvement and is "getting closer" to a return, according to Senators coach Travis Green. Ullmark rejoined the team on January 16 after taking an indefinite leave of absence starting December 28 for personal matters. In preparation for their matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, the Senators recalled goalie Mads Sogaard from the AHL's Belleville and reassigned Hunter Shepard back to the AHL. Coach Green mentioned, "I'm not certain when Ullmark will be back in action, but I don't anticipate it being a long wait." So far this season, Ullmark has recorded a record of 14 wins, eight losses, and five overtime losses, with a goals-against average of 2.95 and a save percentage of .881 in 28 games.
Anaheim Ducks
Mason McTavish is listed as questionable for the Ducks' upcoming game against the Calgary Flames on Sunday. McTavish has been sidelined for two games now, missing a recent contest against the Avalanche due to an upper-body issue that arose just before warmups. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville provided an update, stating, "McTavish went back to Anaheim, and right now, he's feeling better. While I'm unsure if he'll return during this trip, we're optimistic about his chances." This season, McTavish has showcased his skills with 30 points, including 13 goals and 17 assists across 49 games.
Toronto Maple Leafs
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, William Nylander has been out for five consecutive games due to a groin injury. When the Maple Leafs faced the Avalanche on Sunday, Nylander was absent once again. He did skate prior to Saturday's practice, but there is still no definitive timeline for his return. Coach Craig Berube commented, "We will see how he progresses…Hopefully, he can continue getting on the ice and be ready to go soon." Nylander leads the team this season with a total of 48 points, comprised of 17 goals and 31 assists in just 37 games, and he is also a member of Team Sweden’s roster for the Olympics.
Chicago Blackhawks
Teuvo Teravainen participated in the morning skate with the Chicago Blackhawks ahead of their game against the Florida Panthers on Sunday while wearing a non-contact jersey. Though he will miss his sixth straight game, he is inching closer to a return, with plans to practice again on Monday. Teravainen has recorded 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 45 games thus far this season. Coach Jeff Blashill expressed optimism, stating, "He’s definitely close. Once he’s back to full participation in practice, he’ll be ready to go."
Nashville Predators
In Nashville, defenseman Nicolas Hague is facing a week-to-week recovery from a lower-body injury, as confirmed by the Predators on Saturday. Hague was injured during the second period of a recent 5-3 victory over the Senators. He was replaced by Adam Wilsby in a subsequent game where the Predators lost 5-2 against the Utah Mammoth. This season, Hague has tallied 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 41 games played. The Predators are gearing up for a three-game road trip starting with a matchup against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.
