NHL Lineup and Injury Report: January 22, 2026
The NHL is buzzing with action as teams gear up for another week of intense competition. Here's a comprehensive update on the latest lineup changes and injury reports across the league.
Chicago Blackhawks: Reset and Return
Frank Nazar is set to return to the Blackhawks lineup against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, marking a welcome reset for the young forward. Nazar, who has been out for 14 games with a facial injury, has been a key contributor with 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 33 games this season. His return coincides with a chance to reset and refocus, as he shares, "It's good that it happened when I was younger, so it heals faster."
Forward Andre Burakovsky, who missed a recent win due to illness, will also rejoin the team on Thursday. Meanwhile, Teuvo Teravainen, battling an upper-body injury, will miss his fourth straight game, with the team taking it day by day.
Ottawa Senators: Lineup Shuffle
The Senators face a lineup shuffle as David Perron, with a sports hernia requiring surgery, will be out for 5-7 weeks. Perron, who has 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 49 games, will be replaced by Stephen Halliday in the lineup against the Nashville Predators on Thursday.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Activation and Injury Reserve
The Blue Jackets activated Mason Marchment off injured reserve, with the forward potentially returning to the lineup against the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Marchment, who has 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in 36 games, missed the last eight games with an upper-body injury. Additionally, Denton Mateychuk was placed on injured reserve retroactive to January 11, missing four games with an upper-body injury.
Florida Panthers: Uncertain Return
Brad Marchand, second on the Panthers in points with 46, will miss his seventh straight game due to an undisclosed injury. The team is closely monitoring his progress, with coach Paul Maurice stating, "He's certainly close, day to day."
Edmonton Oilers: Leon Draisaitl's Return
Leon Draisaitl, who took a leave of absence on January 17 to address a family illness in Germany, is expected to rejoin the Oilers on Saturday. Draisaitl, with 67 points (25 goals, 42 assists) in 48 games, will miss his fourth consecutive game on Thursday but is a welcome addition to the lineup.
Vegas Golden Knights: New Arrival, Uncertain Debut
Rasmus Andersson, acquired in a trade with the Calgary Flames, could make his Golden Knights debut this weekend. However, his participation is uncertain due to immigration logistics, as he did not participate in the morning skate before the team's game against the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Day-to-Day Decisions
The Penguins are navigating day-to-day decisions with Kris Letang (upper body) and Erik Karlsson (lower body). Letang, who missed the previous game, is questionable for the upcoming match against the Edmonton Oilers. Karlsson, who practiced in a regular jersey on Tuesday, remains on injured reserve after being announced out for at least two weeks on January 13.
