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NHL Players Update Statuses Following Recent Injuries

Multiple teams manage key absences as players work toward returning to the ice.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Hockey

NHL Players Update Statuses Following Recent Injuries

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Is it generally a good idea for professional athletes to rush their return from injury?

Several NHL teams are navigating player injury reports as the league updates the status of key contributors. Forward Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes may make his season debut this weekend following shoulder surgery in June.

Why it matters

Managing depth and player health is essential as teams aim to maintain competitive rotations throughout the season. These updates provide clarity on when impact players will return to their respective lineups.

Bowen Byram leads the Chicago Blackhawks with an average of 24:42 in ice time per game. Meanwhile, Seth Jarvis finished last season having scored 32 goals for the Carolina Hurricanes.

The players

Seth Jarvis

He is a forward for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored 32 goals last season.

Josh Morrissey

He is a defenseman currently sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Bowen Byram

He leads the Chicago Blackhawks in average ice time per game.

Matt Roy

He is a player working his way back into the lineup after missing five games.

Pierre-Luc Dubois

He is currently absent from his team's lineup due to an ongoing illness.

The details

Josh Morrissey is sidelined week to week following an upper-body injury sustained in a game against the Colorado Avalanche on October 7. Elsewhere, Matt Roy has returned to full team practice after missing five games due to a lower-body injury.

Timeline

  1. June: Seth Jarvis underwent shoulder surgery.

  2. June 23: Bowen Byram joined the Chicago Blackhawks via trade.

  3. October 7: Josh Morrissey sustained an upper-body injury.

  4. October 16: The latest NHL player status updates were reported.

  5. This weekend: Seth Jarvis may make his season debut.

Season Trajectory

These injury updates highlight the roster volatility that defines the early portion of the NHL season. Teams must adapt to these absences to secure positioning before the playoff race intensifies later in the year.

Fantasy managers should monitor the return of Seth Jarvis this weekend, as his return could significantly impact the Hurricanes offensive production. Meanwhile, Bowen Byram remains a critical volume player for the Blackhawks given his team-leading ice time.

The takeaway

Team depth is constantly tested as medical staffs manage recovery timelines across the league. Fans should keep a close watch on practice reports to see which key players are cleared for game action each week.

Further reading

For more on roster changes and league-wide news, visit the Hockey section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by NHL.

Live Poll

Is it generally a good idea for professional athletes to rush their return from injury?