Two months into the 2025-26 NHL season, injuries have already reshuffled fantasy hockey lineups across the league. From freak accidents at team dinners to mysterious ailments and significant surgeries, fantasy managers are scrambling to replace point-per-game performers while monitoring injured reserve slots. The good news is that for every star sidelined, opportunity knocks for emerging players stepping into larger roles.
Managing these situations requires vigilance and quick decision-making. While NHL teams must navigate salary cap restrictions and roster limits, fantasy managers enjoy the flexibility of waiver wires and IR placements. Success hinges on identifying which replacements offer sustained value versus short-term streaming options. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most impactful injury situations and the strategic moves fantasy managers should consider.
Key injuries disrupting fantasy hockey lineups in 2025-26
The fantasy landscape took a significant hit when Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils suffered a fluky encounter with glassware at a team dinner, sidelining the top forward for two months. Hughes was performing at a point-per-game pace before the injury, making his absence particularly painful for managers who invested early draft capital. The Devils have promoted Dawson Mercer to second-line center, and the 24-year-old has responded with three assists and a goal in his past four contests, including two points with the extra skater. Mercer now averages 2.0 fantasy points per game in standard ESPN leagues and deserves roster consideration in any competitive format as long as Hughes remains out.
On the defensive side, two premier blueliners are creating headaches for fantasy managers. Adam Fox of the New York Rangers is out for weeks with an upper-body injury sustained against Tampa Bay, leaving a massive hole on the Rangers’ top power-play unit. Fox was essentially averaging a point per game while quarterbacking the top unit and logging nearly 24 minutes per night. The Rangers are experimenting with a five-forward configuration on their number one special teams unit, incorporating Will Cuylle into the mix. Cuylle, already a solid performer in deeper leagues, becomes significantly more attractive if he retains this plum assignment.
Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, Victor Hedman’s status remains frustratingly unclear. Initially classified as day-to-day, the star defender isn’t close to returning despite the optimistic initial timeline. This has created a golden opportunity for Darren Raddysh, who has become a must-roster fantasy figure on the Lightning’s injury-ravaged blue line. Raddysh has compiled 15 points in his past 10 games while skating on Tampa Bay’s top pair and power play, averaging nearly 3.0 fantasy points per game yet remaining available in more than 66% of leagues. The question becomes how coach Jon Cooper will manage ice time once Hedman eventually returns to health.
Top waiver wire replacements for injured stars
When star players go down, fantasy managers must act decisively to secure their replacements before competitors. Vladislav Gavrikov of the Rangers stands out as perhaps the best defenseman to target in the wake of Adam Fox’s injury. Gavrikov has scored in each of the games Fox has missed while also blocking shots at a high rate and seeing his ice time increase to over 23 minutes per game. The defender has been vocal about the entire team needing to step up, and he’s backing up his words with production. Tied for the defenseman lead in high-danger goals (3) and ranking highly in total skating distance, Gavrikov provides multi-category contributions that fantasy managers covet.
In Boston, the absence of Charlie McAvoy after facial surgery has opened the door for Hampus Lindholm to become a fantasy factor. McAvoy is expected out until mid-January, giving Lindholm an extended run on the Bruins’ top power-play unit alongside nearly 25 minutes of ice time per game. Since McAvoy’s injury, Lindholm is averaging 2.1 fantasy points per game through a combination of blocked shots, shots on goal, and assists with the extra skater and at even strength. Remarkably, he remains available in more than 95% of leagues, making him one of the best-kept secrets on most waiver wires.
The goaltending position requires special attention, as injuries to starting netminders create immediate streaming opportunities. Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets is sidelined after minor arthroscopic surgery but is expected back in late December. In his absence, Eric Comrie has shown flashes of brilliance, single-handedly keeping his squad in games with highlight-reel saves. If the Jets can shore up their defensive play, which has been their traditional strength, Comrie could provide productive fantasy numbers for managers willing to stream him in favorable matchups. The key is monitoring Hellebuyck’s recovery timeline to know when this window will close.
Players nearing return and their fantasy impact
The most significant return on the horizon belongs to Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, who is projected to rejoin the lineup at the end of January. Tkachuk’s absence has allowed Carter Verhaeghe to skate on Florida’s top power-play unit, but that arrangement will end promptly when the feisty forward returns. Despite missing significant time, Tkachuk remains rostered in only about 80% of ESPN Fantasy leagues, presenting a rare opportunity to add a player who was a consensus top-40 pick in most drafts. His return to a top-six role with guaranteed power-play time makes him a must-roster player across all formats.
Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars could return to the lineup shortly after being officially cleared to play. The veteran forward needs to string together a few good practice sessions before rejoining game action, but the Stars are being understandably cautious. With Tyler Seguin potentially lost for the season due to a torn ACL, Duchene could step into a top-six role immediately. Even if he settles on the third line, Duchene should see plenty of quality power-play time and has the track record to produce solid numbers, having posted 30 goals and 52 assists just last season. His availability in 64% of ESPN leagues won’t last long once he’s back in uniform.
Marco Rossi of the Minnesota Wild is another forward nearing a return after missing time since early November with a lower-body injury. Rossi is anticipated back within the next couple of weeks and is poised to reclaim his spot on a top line between Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello—a plum assignment for any fantasy-relevant player. Before a quieter November, Rossi racked up 11 points in 11 games through October, demonstrating his offensive capabilities. He should be owned in deeper leagues and monitored closely in standard formats, as his deployment alongside elite linemates provides significant upside.
Strategic roster moves for managing injuries
The key to navigating the injury minefield is understanding the difference between short-term streaming options and long-term holds. When a star player is out for months, like Jack Hughes or the potentially season-ending injury to Tyler Seguin, fantasy managers must resist the temptation to simply drop these assets. Instead, utilize injured reserve slots where available and focus on acquiring players who can provide comparable production categories. For example, if you lose a high-scoring forward like Hughes, target someone like Dawson Mercer who receives similar deployment rather than settling for a fourth-liner with limited upside.
Monitoring daily line changes becomes even more critical during injury periods. Teams often shuffle their line combinations and power-play units to compensate for missing stars, creating temporary opportunities for lesser-known players. The Rangers’ experiment with five forwards on their top power-play unit is a perfect example—Will Cuylle becomes a viable fantasy option as long as that configuration continues. However, fantasy managers must remain vigilant, as these arrangements can change as quickly as they’re implemented. Following daily projected lineups and injury updates helps you stay ahead of these shifts before your league mates can react.
The psychological aspect of injury management shouldn’t be underestimated. Fantasy managers often overreact to long-term injuries, either by dropping the injured player too quickly or by overpaying for replacements. A measured approach involves assessing your league’s waiver wire depth, understanding your team’s needs beyond simple point production, and recognizing that injuries create opportunity costs. Sometimes the best move is to stand pat with a solid replacement rather than burning a high waiver priority or overbidding on a player who might return to a diminished role.
Critical goalie injury situations to monitor
Goaltending injuries require immediate attention because replacement starters provide immediate and significant fantasy value. The Toronto Maple Leafs present one of the most confusing situations, as Anthony Stolarz’s initially minor issue has evolved into a mysterious and concerning ailment. Just as fantasy managers were adjusting to Joseph Woll taking over the starter’s role, Woll suffered a lower-body injury during a 5-1 win over Carolina. This leaves third-stringer Dennis Hildeby as the potential next man up, though the severity of Woll’s injury remains uncertain. Fantasy managers invested in Toronto’s goaltending situation must monitor updates closely, as the Leafs are finally playing better under their new tandem coach structure.
In Anaheim, the Ducks are without both of their top two goaltenders, with Lukas Dostal expected out another week or two with an upper-body injury and backup Petr Mrazek likely sidelined until the Christmas break. This has thrust Ville Husso into the starting role, creating a streaming opportunity for fantasy managers. Husso has shown mixed results, stopping 21 of 22 shots in a win over St. Louis before allowing four goals on 21 shots in a lopsided loss. The wisest approach is to stream Husso only in Duck-friendly matchups, particularly at home against weaker offensive opponents. His value disappears completely once Dostal or Mrazek return to health.
The Vegas Golden Knights are dealing with a longer-term absence as Adin Hill could be sidelined for an extended period. This creates a significant opportunity for Carter Hart, who made his first NHL appearance in nearly two years against Chicago and performed adequately. With the Golden Knights committed to giving Hart a legitimate chance to prove himself, fantasy managers in deeper leagues could do worse than taking a chance on a former starting goaltender with something to prove. The key is understanding that this opportunity lasts only until Hill returns, making Hart more of a short-term speculative add than a season-long solution.
What these injuries mean for championship aspirations
The 2025-26 season has already demonstrated that injury management will separate championship contenders from also-rans. Fantasy managers who successfully identify and acquire the right replacements—like Darren Raddysh in Tampa Bay or Hampus Lindholm in Boston—gain significant advantages over opponents who simply eat the loss of a star player. The key is acting before these players become widely rostered, as their availability percentages won’t remain low once their production becomes impossible to ignore.
As we approach the holiday season, several high-profile players are slated to return, potentially shifting the fantasy landscape once again. Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins is due back right after the Christmas break, and savvy fantasy managers are already making notes to acquire him before he busts back on the scene. Similarly, Thomas Chabot of the Ottawa Senators has a targeted return date of December 14, and his availability in 60% of leagues provides a window for managers to add a defenseman who blocks shots, shoots frequently, and produces on the power play.
The lesson for fantasy managers is clear: injuries are inevitable, but their impact is manageable. By maintaining active roster management, utilizing IR slots effectively, and staying informed through resources like game day projected lineups and injury updates, you can transform what appears to be a season-derailing loss into an opportunity to discover your team’s next breakout performer. The 2025-26 season’s injury watch demands attention, but it also rewards those who respond with strategic precision rather than panic.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.