NHL Status Update: Slavin Set to Make Comeback for Hurricanes Against Kraken
In an exciting turn of events, the Carolina Hurricanes are anticipated to welcome back defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who has been sidelined due to an upper-body injury. He is positioned to return just in time for their game against the Seattle Kraken, scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. This match will be broadcasted on various platforms including FDSNSO and KING 5. Slavin has been absent for the last ten games since December 19, participating in only five games throughout this season. His prowess on the ice has earned him a spot on Team USA’s roster for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. During the morning skate, he was seen pairing up with fellow player Jalen Chatfield. Additionally, defenseman Joel Nystrom has been reassigned to the Chicago Wolves in the American Hockey League as of Friday.
Moving over to the Toronto Maple Leafs, forward William Nylander is set to rejoin his teammates for their matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, also on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, with coverage on CBC and SN networks. Nylander had been out for six games following an injury sustained during a high-scoring victory against the Ottawa Senators on December 27. Currently, he leads the Maple Leafs with a remarkable 41 points, consisting of 14 goals and 27 assists in just 33 games. In the morning skate, he practiced alongside Matias Maccelli and John Tavares. Coach Craig Berube praised Nylander, stating, "He's certainly a standout player, showcasing incredible skill and speed. His contributions to our offense are invaluable, and we are thrilled to have him back on the roster." Furthermore, defenseman Jake McCabe participated fully in the morning skate after missing two games due to a lower-body injury and is considered a game-time decision. Meanwhile, goalie Anthony Stolarz, who has been recovering from an upper-body injury since November 11, took part in morning activities, indicating he is making progress and could join the team for their upcoming four-game road trip starting against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday.
Over in Florida, the Panthers are hopeful that Brad Marchand will be able to take the ice against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night, following an undisclosed injury. Marchand skated during the morning session and has been listed as day-to-day since exiting the game against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, where the Panthers faced a defeat of 4-1. Notably, he leads Florida in scoring with 46 points, comprising 23 goals and 23 assists across 41 games this season.
The San Jose Sharks are also expecting some lineup changes as Michael Misa may make his return when they host the Dallas Stars on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. Misa, who was the second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, recently participated in the World Junior Championship for Canada, showcasing his talent with seven points through seven games. In his tenure with the Sharks this season, he has accumulated three points in seven appearances. Additionally, Will Smith practiced in a non-contact jersey for the first time post-injury, while John Klingberg, who has been out since December 31, also skated but will not be available for Saturday's game.
The Philadelphia Flyers are facing uncertainty with forwards Travis Konecny and Bobby Brink, both of whom are questionable for their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. Konecny, who suffered an upper-body injury in a recent loss, has been a key contributor with 38 points in 42 games, while Brink has recorded 20 points in 41 games this season. Both players' statuses are being monitored closely, with Konecny missing the morning skate due to his injury. Jamie Drysdale was placed on injured reserve following an upper-body injury sustained from a hit during a previous game, but he did participate in a non-contact practice on Saturday morning.
For the New York Rangers, rookie Noah Laba might be ready to return against the Boston Bruins on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. Laba has missed three games due to an upper-body injury incurred during a match against the Washington Capitals on December 31. This season, he has managed to score 12 points in 42 games. At practice on Friday, he was seen centering the third line alongside Gabe Perreault and Taylor Raddysh. Additionally, forward Justin Dowling has been reassigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack prior to the Saturday game.
Finally, for the Boston Bruins, defenseman Hampus Lindholm is still day-to-day; however, he may be activated from injured reserve before their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Lindholm has been out since January 3 and has contributed significantly to the team, recording 14 points this season while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game.
