Keep updated on all the injury news and roster updates from around the NHL with daily Ice Chips.
Montreal Canadiens
Forward Patrik Laine rotated in on the Canadiens’ first line during practice on Wednesday.
Laine, 27, has been out since Oct. 16 after undergoing core muscle surgery. He was given a three-to-four-month timetable for his return.
He alternated with Alexandre Texier on the right wing along side Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.
The 6-foot-4 winger appeared in five games this season, recording an assist.
Montreal used these lines during Wednesday’s practice:
Caufield – Suzuki – Texier/Laine
Slafkovsky – Kapanen – Demidov
Bolduc/Veleno – Evans – Dach
Anderson/Blais – Danault – Gallagher
Matheson – Dobson
Hutson – Guhle
Xhekaj – Carrier – Struble
Montembeault
Dobes
Ottawa Senators
James Reimer will get the start against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday as Linus Ullmark continues to work himself back from his personal leave.
James Reimer starts in net for the #Sens vs Colorado.
On when Linus Ullmark might be back in net? “He’ll start when he’s ready to start.”
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) January 28, 2026
Ullmark, 32, hasn’t played since Dec. 27 for personal reasons and returned to practice on Jan. 16.
He served as Reimer’s backup during the team’s 7-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.
Head coach Travis Green told reporters on Tuesday that Ullmark was ready to play on Sunday if needed and that the goaltender will let the organization know when he’s ready to start.
The 6-foot-4 netminder has a 14-8-5 record this season with an .881 save percentage and 2.95 goals against average.
Reimer, 37, was signed for the remainder of this season on Jan. 12. He has a 1-2-1 record since joining the Senators with an .871 save percentage and 3.32 GAA.
The Senators are projected to use these lines against the Avalanche:
Colorado Avalanche
Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to be in net against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, according to Corey Masisak of the Denver Post.
Mackenzie Blackwood in net for the #Avs against the Senators. No Ross Colton tonight (or Devon Toews or Gabe Landeskog).
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) January 28, 2026
Blackwood, 29, has a 14-3-1 record this season with a .911 save percentage and 2.41 goals-against average.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Elvis Merzlikins is expected to be in net when the Blue Jackets takes on the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.
Merzlikins, 31, has won two of his last three games and has an 8-8-1 record this season with an .882 save percentage and 3.81 goals-against average.
New York Rangers
Defenceman Adam Fox and forward Conor Sheary both participated in the Rangers’ optional skate in non-contact jerseys on Wednesday, according to Colin Stephenson of Newsday Sports.
Adam Fox and Conor Sheary are skating in the Rangers’ optional morning skate. Both are wearing red, no contact jerseys.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) January 28, 2026
Fox, 27, has missed the team’s last nine games while dealing with an undisclosed injury.
He last appeared during the team’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth, recording 23:30 of ice time with three shots.
The 5-foot-11, right-shot defenceman has four goals and 28 points in 30 games this season.
Sheary, 33, hasn’t played since New Years’ Eve while he’s been dealing with a lower-body injury.
The 5-foot-8 winger joined the Rangers prior to the season on a one-year deal after a successful tryout during the pre-season.
He has a goal and nine points in 37 games this season.
Igor Shesterkin skated on his own at the team’s training centre on Wednesday, according to The Athletic’s Peter Baugh.
Shesterkin has been out of action since Jan. 5 with a lower-body injury.
The 6-foot-1 netminder has a 17-12-4 record this season with a .913 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average.
Spencer Martin will get the start in net against the New York Islanders, confirmed head coach Mike Sullivan.
Martin, 30, has a 1-2-0 record this season with an .865 save percentage and 3.90 goals-against average.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers activated goaltender Dan Vladar off of injured reserve and assigned goalie Aleksei Kolosov to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Wednesday.
Vladar, 28, missed the team’s last six games while dealing with a lower-body injury.
The 6-foot-5 netminder has a 16-7-4 record this season with a .905 save percentage and 2.46 GAA.
He is expected to be in net when the Flyers take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.
Vladar will be represented Czechia at The Winter Olympics in February.
Kolosov, 24, appeared in four games with the Flyers this season going 0-2-0 with an .830 save percentage and 4.00 GAA.
St. Louis Blues
Forwards Jake Neighbours and Jordan Kyrou are both considered day-to-day after leaving Tuesday’s 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars early with injuries.
Jim Montgomery said Jordan Kyrou and Jake Neighbours are both day-to-day after further evaluation.
“I don’t know if they’re players (Thursday), but it’s good news. It’s not going to be long.” #stlblues https://t.co/R3xIcCqfaG
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 28, 2026
Neighbours, 23, skated 5:19 before leaving the game with a lower-body injury.
The 6-foot winger has 12 goals and 21 points in 41 games this season.
Kyrou, 27, skated 11:21 on Tuesday before leaving with an upper-body injury.
He has 11 goals and 24 points in 43 games this season.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Defenceman Victor Hedman skated on Wednesday in a non-contact jersey, team reporter Benjamin Pierce reported.
Hedman, 35, underwent elbow surgery in December and was expected to return before the Olympic break.
He he also missed 13 games this season due to an undisclosed injury.
The 6-foot-7, left-shot defenceman has 12 assists in 18 games this season while averaging 21:05 of ice time.
Hedman was named as one Sweden’s first six players to their Olympic roster in June.