NHL Teams Prepare for Multiple Player Returns
Several key players are expected to rejoin their team lineups for games starting on Tuesday, October 21, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hockey
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Multiple NHL teams are preparing for the return of several key players to their lineups on Tuesday, October 21, 2026. This recovery wave follows a period where several athletes were sidelined due to various injuries sustained early in the season.
Why it matters
The return of these players provides a significant boost to their respective team rosters as they look to improve their depth and performance. Managing these injury timelines is critical for clubs attempting to maintain momentum throughout the competitive regular season.
Jake Sanderson recorded 54 total points across 75 games last season while averaging 24:50 time on ice. Mats Zuccarello enters his return with 1 assist in 3 games played this year.
The players
Jake Sanderson
He is a prominent defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who led his team in multiple statistical categories last season.
Mats Zuccarello
He is a veteran forward known for his playmaking ability and experience in the NHL.
Rasmus Dahlin
He is a standout defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who has missed games due to injury since mid-October.
Thomas Chabot
He is a key defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who is currently managing an upper-body injury.
Esa Lindell
He is a durable defenseman for the Dallas Stars who is currently recovering from a lower-body injury.
The details
Several players are rejoining their teams following injuries, including Jake Sanderson who is slated to return after a lower-body injury sustained on October 3, 2026. Meanwhile, other teams navigate new setbacks, with Thomas Chabot sidelined for 1-2 weeks and Esa Lindell out for at least a week due to injuries.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: Connor Brown and Logan O'Connor sustained injuries.
October 3, 2026: Jake Sanderson sustained a lower-body injury.
October 12, 2026: Rasmus Dahlin was injured.
October 20, 2026: Players practiced ahead of Tuesday games.
October 21, 2026: Multiple players return to team lineups.
Season Trajectory
These roster shifts directly impact the divisional standings and the immediate depth charts for teams navigating the mandatory NHL league-wide injury reporting policy. The return of top-tier defensemen and forwards provides a necessary boost to clubs attempting to secure playoff positioning.
Fantasy managers should monitor the return of Jake Sanderson and Rasmus Dahlin, as both players provide significant value in points and time-on-ice categories. The absence of Thomas Chabot for 1-2 weeks will force the Senators to rely on depth options during their upcoming schedule.
The takeaway
Frequent injury management is a constant reality for NHL teams as they navigate the physical demands of an 82-game schedule. Fans should keep track of practice reports to anticipate lineup changes before puck drop on game days.
Further reading
For more information on league-wide updates, visit the Hockey section.
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