NHL Injury Updates: Draisaitl Out for Season, Dach Sidelined, Plus Sabres, Avs, Stars, Canadiens, Wild & More

Here's a comprehensive roundup of the latest NHL injury updates as of Tuesday, March 17th, covering several key teams and player statuses:

Buffalo Sabres

Forward Alex Tuch was absent from last night's game due to illness.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche will be without key forwards Artturi Lehkonen (missing his eighth consecutive game), Gabriel Landeskog (out for his sixth straight), and Ross Colton (fourth consecutive absence) for tonight's matchup.

Dallas Stars

A Dallas Stars forward, identified in reports as Mikko Rantanen, participated in the team's optional practice yesterday, indicating progress. Coach Glen Gulutzan commented on the player's status: “Progressing for sure, which is nice. I’m sure it’s good for him to be around the guys on the ice. Still got a ways to go. Like I said, he’s not travelling with us, but good to see him on the ice with the group. That means he’s moving.”

Additionally, the Stars will again be without Roope Hintz, the aforementioned Mikko Rantanen, and Radek Faksa for tonight's game.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers announced that forward Leon Draisaitl is projected to miss the remainder of the regular season. This follows a lower-body injury he sustained during the first period of the team’s game against Nashville on March 15.

Florida Panthers

Forward Sam Bennett made his return to the lineup after missing the previous game due to an undisclosed injury.

Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens forward Kirby Dach is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks with an upper-body injury. Head Coach Martin St. Louis expressed his disappointment, noting, “It’s unfortunate, you feel for the player, feels like a lot of bad luck. I think he was playing some really good hockey…. we’re going to have to try to collectively try to replace that and I think we can.”

Minnesota Wild

Forward Joel Eriksson Ek missed last night’s game with a lower-body injury. Coach Jon Hynes stated that his condition is being evaluated day-to-day.

New York Islanders

Max Shabanov, a forward for the New York Islanders, joined the team's optional skate yesterday. He had been absent from Monday's practice due to a lower-body injury.

Ottawa Senators

Defenseman Nick Jensen of the Ottawa Senators is facing an extended absence from play as he requires meniscus surgery.

Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers forward Tyson Foerster participated in team practice for the first time since sustaining his injury. Previously, his chances of returning to play this season were considered "slim to none."