As the NHL playoffs heat up in May 2026, injuries continue to shape series across the league. Teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Tampa Bay Lightning have provided the latest on sidelined players. These updates come amid intense second-round matchups, with recovery timelines varying from days to weeks.
For deeper context on how injuries have impacted early playoff games, check our recent post on NHL playoff injuries hit Sabres, Avalanche and Stars hard.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres have faced challenges with forward injuries during their playoff run. Sam Carrick suffered an uncommon hockey injury but confirmed no bones were broken. Initial recovery estimates ranged from four to six weeks or six to eight weeks, yet progress has been swift.
Coach Lindy Ruff recently shared optimistic news, stating Carrick is just days from returning to the lineup. Carrick even rejoined practice yesterday, a positive sign for Buffalo’s depth.
Forward Noah Ostlund, meanwhile, is sidelined for the second round due to a lower-body injury. This absence tests the Sabres’ forward group as they push forward.
- Sam Carrick: Uncommon injury, practiced May 12, expected back soon.
- Noah Ostlund: Out for second round, lower-body issue.
These setbacks highlight the physical toll of playoffs, but Carrick’s quick turnaround could bolster Buffalo soon. Fans await his impact in upcoming games.
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina received good news on defenseman Alexander Nikishin. Coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed Nikishin has cleared concussion protocol and is available to play. The Hurricanes practiced Wednesday before their Thursday night game.
Brind’Amour noted caution in handling Nikishin, who has logged practices. “He had a couple good practices. If he gives us the green light, then that gives us the option to put him in for sure.”
This clearance comes at a crucial time for Carolina’s blue line stability.
Nikishin’s return option strengthens their defensive core amid playoff intensity. More details on his status appear in this NHL.com update.
The team’s measured approach underscores concussion management priorities in modern hockey. Expect Nikishin to feature if cleared fully.
Dallas Stars
Dallas forward Roope Hintz detailed a severe hamstring tear in two spots. The injury stemmed from battling Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon along the boards. A recovery setback further delayed his return.
Hintz described it as atypical, limiting speedup options. He might have been ready for second-round games had Dallas advanced.
This loss hurt the Stars’ first-round efforts against Minnesota.
- Roope Hintz: Dual hamstring tears, setback in rehab.
- Origin: Physical play vs. MacKinnon.
For full injury report, see the comprehensive NHL Rumors roundup.
Hintz’s absence exposed Dallas’s depth issues, a lesson for offseason planning.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild have managed without key players in round two’s opening games. Defenseman Jonas Brodin and forward Joel Eriksson Ek missed the first two contests due to lower-body injuries.
Both face re-evaluation before Saturday’s game. This timeline offers hope for their involvement soon.
Minnesota’s special teams have been pivotal in their comeback bid against Colorado, per NHL.com coverage.
- Jonas Brodin: Lower-body, missed games 1-2.
- Joel Eriksson Ek: Lower-body, same status.
Their potential returns could shift series momentum decisively.
The Wild’s resilience without them speaks to coaching adjustments. Updates will be critical heading into the weekend.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois reported forward Pontus Holmberg broke his clavicle. The freak incident occurred when Holmberg hit the penalty box door in Buffalo.
No other playoff injury concerns for the Lightning at this stage.
This isolated issue hasn’t derailed their postseason push.
Holmberg’s recovery timeline remains unclear, but no surgery indications yet.
Such unusual injuries remind players of playoff hazards beyond on-ice collisions.
Looking ahead
Beyond these teams, no major procedures or surgeries are anticipated this offseason. One unnamed player undergoes evaluation, but details are sparse.
Injuries like Hintz’s hamstring and Carrick’s uncommon issue illustrate playoff unpredictability. Teams prioritizing depth and quick recoveries hold an edge.
As series progress, monitor returns like Nikishin and Brodin/Eriksson Ek. These updates could define deep playoff runs.
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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.