NHL teams scramble as injuries and debuts reshape Wednesday's matchups
Several NHL teams will be without key players this week due to injuries and illness. The Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, and Los Angeles Kings all face absences, while the San Jose Sharks prepare to welcome a new face on the ice.
The Washington Capitals, meanwhile, expect a returning goaltender just in time for an important matchup.
The Minnesota Wild will be short-handed for their Wednesday game, as both goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and forward Marcus Foligno sit out with illnesses. Their absence adds to the team's challenges in an already tight schedule.
In San Jose, Kiefer Sherwood is set to make his Sharks debut against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. The 29-year-old forward, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on January 19, has been sidelined since January 10 due to injury. With 309 NHL games under his belt, he brings experience to a Sharks lineup looking for a boost.
Nick Foligno is likely to return for the Chicago Blackhawks in their Wednesday clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He left a game on January 29 after just 1:18 of ice time and missed another match on January 31. His comeback provides a much-needed lift for Chicago's forward group.
The New Jersey Devils will continue without Jack Hughes, who suffered a lower-body injury on January 29 against the Nashville Predators. Wednesday's game will mark his third consecutive absence, leaving the Devils to adjust their offensive strategy.
Defenceman Mikey Anderson remains day to day with an upper-body injury and will not suit up for the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday. His absence forces the Kings to shuffle their defensive pairings for the upcoming match.
Goaltender Logan Thompson, recovering from an upper-body injury, is expected to start for the Washington Capitals on Thursday against the Predators. Thompson, who hasn't played since January 27, will also represent Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics. His return comes at a critical time for Washington's playoff push.
Teams across the league are adjusting lineups due to injuries and illnesses this week. The Sharks gain a seasoned forward, while the Devils and Kings continue to manage key absences. Meanwhile, the Capitals will look to Thompson's return for stability in net as they face a tough opponent.
