NHL Injury Updates: Canadiens’ Dobes Starting, Canucks Recall Patera, Leafs’ Matthews Skates, Blue Jackets’ Werenski Status Uncertain
In a series of developments leading up to key matchups in the NHL, several teams report on player injuries and roster changes.
The Montreal Canadiens are set to have goaltender Jakub Dobes manning the net against the Utah Mammoth tomorrow night. Dobes is coming off a strong performance, saving 24 shots in a 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. This season, the 24-year-old has recorded a noteworthy 7-2-2 record over 11 games, boasting an .895 save percentage and a 2.88 goals-against average. After a promising start with six consecutive wins, he faced a minor setback with four losses before bouncing back. Montreal is beginning a crucial three-game road trip that includes matchups against Utah, Vegas, and Colorado.
The Vancouver Canucks are making roster adjustments as they prepare for a four-game road trip through California and Colorado. General manager Patrik Allvin announced that goaltender Kevin Lankinen will remain behind due to personal reasons. In his absence, Jiri Patera has been recalled from AHL Abbotsford under emergency conditions. Lankinen, who has struggled this season with a 4-7-2 record, an .880 save percentage, and a 3.63 goals-against average, is in the first year of a substantial five-year contract. Patera, meanwhile, has seen limited action in Abbotsford, going 1-2-1.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, captain Auston Matthews, along with teammates Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy, participated in practice while dressed in grey sweaters, indicating their uncertain status for the upcoming game. Head coach Craig Berube acknowledged their participation, noting they looked good in drills but remained questionable for the next contest. Matthews has been sidelined for five games due to a lower-body injury, while Knies has missed time for similar reasons. Roy, who has yet to return since his injury, also hopes to rejoin the lineup soon.
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Defender Jake McCabe returned to practice after missing time due to an upper-body injury incurred in a recent game against the Canadiens. Berube expressed optimism about McCabe’s availability for the upcoming match against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are dealing with their own injury woes. Defenceman Zach Werenski, along with forwards Kirill Marchenko, Sean Monahan, and Mathieu Olivier, missed practice. Head coach Dean Evason stated that Monahan was taking a maintenance day, while Werenski is “working through some stuff” but is expected to skate tomorrow to assess his readiness before the game against the Maple Leafs. Both Werenski and Olivier sustained upper-body injuries in a recent match against the Capitals. Marchenko, who also dealt with a recent injury, remains under evaluation.
In a noteworthy transaction, veteran defenceman Brendan Smith has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets after starting the season with the AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters. Having spent last season with the Dallas Stars, Smith adds depth to the Blue Jackets’ defense.
As teams navigate these roster shake-ups and injury challenges, the upcoming games promise to be critical for their standings and overall performance in the league.
