NHL Injury Updates: Wilson, Sorokin, McCabe & More - January 2026 (2026)

The NHL injury report is here, and it's a mixed bag of bad news and hopeful recoveries. Let's dive into the latest updates from around the league, shall we?

Washington Capitals:

• Tom Wilson is currently listed as day-to-day due to a lower-body injury. He'll be sitting out Monday's game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Capitals are breathing a sigh of relief, considering how the injury looked initially during Saturday's shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Spencer Carbery expressed concern when Wilson couldn't put weight on his leg, but thankfully, it's not as serious as it seemed. Aliaksei Protas, who also missed Saturday's game with a lower-body injury, participated in an optional morning skate. The team will decide later in the day whether he'll play against the Ducks.

New York Islanders:

• Ilya Sorokin is expected to start in goal for the Islanders against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. He's been out for the past seven games since December 19th. Sorokin has a record of 12-10-2 with a 2.55 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage, and three shutouts this season. David Rittich has been filling in, going 4-2-1 with a 2.30 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Coach Patrick Roy is pleased with Rittich's performance, which allowed Sorokin to return when fully ready. Matthew Schaefer is a game-time decision due to an illness. The rookie defenseman has 28 points this season. Bo Horvat also missed practice, but Roy anticipates he'll join the team for their seven-game road trip starting Thursday. Horvat was injured in a game against the Utah Mammoth on January 1st.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

• Jake McCabe will be sidelined for a week due to a lower-body injury sustained in Saturday's overtime loss to the New York Islanders. He left the game in the third period and didn't return. William Nylander is on injured reserve, but is improving. Brandon Carlo is back in practice and could play against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. He's been out since November 13th due to an ankle infection. Chris Tanev will be evaluated this week for a lower-body injury. The Maple Leafs have recalled defenseman Marshal Rifai from the American Hockey League.

Buffalo Sabres:

• Jason Zucker is expected to play for the Sabres against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. He's been out for 11 games due to upper and lower-body injuries. Michael Kesselring is hoping to resume skating by the end of the week. Alex Lyon is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, but the severity is unknown.

Dallas Stars:

• Casey DeSmith has been reactivated after taking a leave for a personal family matter. Dallas begins a six-game road trip on Tuesday without a win in their past five games.

St. Louis Blues:

• Alexey Toropchenko signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Blues.

Colorado Avalanche:

• Devon Toews will be out for some time with an upper-body injury. Captain Gabriel Landeskog also sustained an upper-body injury and will be out for a period.

So, what do you think? Are these injuries a sign of bad luck, or are there other factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!