Tkachuk suffered an undisclosed injury as a member of USA's team in the 4-Nations Face Off. He saw limited ice-time in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Canada and will be sidelined for Florida's return to action on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken. The 27-year-old Tkachuk has 57 points (22G / 35A) in 52 games this season.
Heineman suffered an upper-body injury after being involved in a traffic accident in mid January and missed 14 consecutive games leading up to the break for the 4-Nations Face Off. The 23-year-old has been impressive in his rookie season, averaging 11:09 time-on-ice and scoring 17 points (10G / 7A) in 41 games.
Swayman served as USA's third goaltender in the 4-Nations Face Off but did not see any action between the pipes and should be well rested for Boston's return to action on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks. The 26-year-old Swayman has 2.98 GAA and .898 SV% in 40 appearances this season (18-18-4).
Montembeault was a member of the winning Canadian team at the 4-Nations Face Off but served as the team's third goaltender and did not play, making him well rested for Saturday's contest against the Ottawa Senators. The 28-year-old Montembeault has a 3.00 GAA, .897 SV%, and three shutouts in 42 appearances this season (18-21-3).
With Thatcher Demko battling a lower-body injury during the preseason, the Canucks signed Lankinen to a one-year contract to temporarily fill the void in the team's crease. That said, Lankinen has impressed in his first season with the Canucks, posting a solid 2.53 GAA, .905 SV%, and four shutouts in 34 games (19-8-7), earning himself a lucrative five-year, $22.5 million contract.
Askarov suffered a lower-body injury in an AHL game and is being further evaluated. The 22-year-old netminder has played a career-high 13 NHL games with the Sharks this season but has spent most of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL, posting a 2.52 GAA and .922 SV% in 19 games (10-7-1).
Vejmelka returned to practice on Thursday after being absent on Wednesday due to an illness. The 28-year-old Czech netminder has had a solid 2024-25 campaign, posting a 2.57 GAA and .909 SV% in 34 games (13-15-4). Assuming he has no setback, Vejmelka will likely be between the pipes for Utah in one of their back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday.
Shesterkin was sidelined with an upper-body injury for New York's final game before the break for the 4-Nations Face Off but will likely return to the crease in one of their back-to-back contests this weekend. The Rangers are amid a competitive race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and will need Shesterkin to return to his elite form. He struggled before his injury, posting an ugly .835 SV% in his last five contests (1-4-0).
Samoskevich was sidelined for the Florida's final game before the break for the 4-Nations Face Off, and missed four of their last five, but will likely return to the lineup on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken. The 22-year-old Samoskevich is averaging 11:42 time-on-ice and has 17 points (8G / 9A) in 48 games this season.
Sturm missed the final eight games before the 4Nations break but was a full participant in Tuesday's practice and is expected to play Sunday vs. the Flames. Sturm, who has played primarily in a bottom-6 role, has 11 points (5G / 6A) in 41 games this season.
Cooley did not play the previous six games for Utah HC before the break for the 4-Nations Face Off but appears to be nearing a return to the lineup. The 20-year-old forward has been enjoying a tremendous season with Utah, scoring 43 points (15G / 28A) in 50 games.
It's unclear if Vejmelka will be ready to return to the lineup when Utah HC returns to action on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings. The 28-year-old Czech netminder has had a solid 2024-25 campaign, posting a 2.57 GAA and .909 SV% in 34 games (13-15-4). If Vejmelka is still sidelined on Saturday, expect to see Connor Ingram between the pipes.
Wennberg missed San Jose's final four games before the break for the 4-Nations Face Off but will likely return to the lineup on Sunday against the Calgary Flames. The 30-year-old forward is averaging 18:14 time-on-ice and has 23 points (8G / 15A) in 52 games this season.
Hughes did not play the final four games for the Canucks before the break for the 4-Nations Face Off due to a lower-body injury but was back at practice on Wednesday. The 25-year-old Hughes is amid another Norris trophy caliber season, posting 59 points (14G / 45A) in 47 games.
Nichushkin has not played since suffering a lower-body injury on December 31st. The 29-year-old forward originally was not supposed to be out long-term but suffered a setback, keeping him sidelined for the previous 19 games. Nichushkin has been effective when in the lineup but has had trouble staying healthy, failing to play more than 65 games in each of his previous six seasons. He has 17 points (11G / 6A) in 21 games this season.
When the Rangers returned from the 4Nations break, Shesterkin was still missing from practice and remains day-to-day. Shesterkin is reportedly skating on his own but has yet to return to team sessions. Unless he progresses quickly over the next couple of days, expect the Rangers to head into the weekend with Jonathan Quick and Dylan Garand as their goaltending tandem vs. Montreal on Saturday.
Mayfield missed the final four games before the 4Nations break but has been skating since last week and told reporters he's ready to play Sunday. Head coach Patrick Roy did not confirm Mayfield will play, but it seems likely that he'll be officially cleared before Sunday.
Crevier had missed Chicago's previous three games before the Four Nations break but returned to practice Tuesday and will likely to return to the lineup on Saturday in Columbus. The 23-year-old defenseman will tie his career high in games played (24) if he does dress on Saturday.
Kozak made his NHL debut earlier this season and has one point (1G / 0A) in 11 games with the Sabres. The 22-year-old forward has spent most of the 2024-25 campaign in the AHL, tallying 13 points (7G / 6A) in 28 games with the Rochester Americans.
Hischier practiced for the first time since suffering an oblique injury on a hit from Nick Suzuki on January 25th. Hischier's return to practice suggests that he will play Saturday vs. the Stars, but expect an official update in the days leading up to their first game back.
