NHL Injury Report: Jake Sanderson Returns, Seth Jarvis Nears Debut And More Remain Sidelined

Injuries are forcing several NHL teams to adjust their lineups early in the season, with some regulars returning and others still waiting for medical clearance. Jake Sanderson made his return, Buffalo also got Rasmus Dahlin and Jason Zucker back in the lineup. While Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is set to make his season debut on Thursday. The Hurricanes could have Seth Jarvis back for the same matchup as he works his way back from shoulder surgery. Although several teams are still waiting for injured players to recover, with some facing further time out and others yet to receive a return timeline.

Sanderson Returns as Buffalo Gets Two Players Back 

Jake Sanderson returned from a lower-body injury and recorded two assists in Ottawa's 5-1 win over Florida on Wednesday. He had missed eight games. Thomas Chabot, meanwhile, is expected to miss 1-2 weeks with an upper-body injury.

Buffalo welcomed back defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and forward Jason Zucker against Philadelphia. Dahlin played a team-high 26:27, while Zucker scored in his season debut after being activated from injured reserve. Sam Carrick was placed on IR to make room.

Nugent-Hopkins and Jarvis Close in on Season Debuts 

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to make his season debut for Edmonton against Carolina on Thursday after a lower-body injury in practice.

Carolina's Seth Jarvis could make his season debut against Edmonton on Thursday after recovering from right shoulder surgery. He led the Hurricanes with 32 goals last season. Coach Rod Brind'Amour said the team is preparing him for a possible return.

Barzal Still Without a Practice Timeline as Injuries Continue 

Washington goalie Logan Thompson is day-to-day with a lower-body injury after allowing five goals against Los Angeles. Forward Jonny Brodzinski was reassigned to Hershey, while Pierre-Luc Dubois could return Saturday after missing five games due to illness.

Florida goalie Jacob Markstrom will miss 1-2 weeks with an upper-body injury. Cooper Black was recalled from Charlotte, while Radko Gudas returned after missing three games.

Mathew Barzal has yet to receive a timeline for joining Islanders practices as he works to rebuild strength following a knee injury. The Kings are monitoring Quinton Byfield, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and questionable for Thursday.

Mikael Backlund is day-to-day for Calgary, while Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell is expected to miss at least a week. San Jose's Alexander Wennberg is also day-to-day.

Colorado expects Logan O'Connor to make his season debut Friday. Nicolas Roy and Zachary L'Heureux remain week-to-week. Montreal, meanwhile, has sent David Reinbacher and Owen Beck to Laval in the AHL after both were scratched Wednesday.