The Dallas Stars are staring at a long stretch without Matt Duchene, and that absence ripples beyond one lineup spot. Dallas announced that Duchene underwent core muscle surgery and will miss three months, leaving a team that was already light up front with another big hole to fill.
That reality is why the Stars may have to get creative fast. Patrik Laine and Vladimir Tarasenko are two names to watch as possible outside help, and both would be inexpensive options. With Duchene out until the new year approaches, Dallas will need to dig up offense quickly or risk falling behind in the standings.
In Chicago, Connor Bedard is moving closer to a return. He skated again with the Blackhawks, and head coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard is trending toward being a “coach’s decision.” Blashill then paused, laughed and added, “We’ll see how that goes,” which points toward Bedard being in the lineup Tuesday against Pittsburgh.
Emily Kaplan reported that the signs remain encouraging. “As long as things stay on track through morning skate, Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard likely to make his season debut tomorrow night against Pittsburgh.
He’s been feeling good three months post-shoulder surgery, medical team has been monitoring. Will be huge boost for Chicago.”
Over in Anaheim, Cutter Gauthier also got back on the ice. He returned to practice in a regular jersey after missing the final 50 minutes of Saturday’s game against Calgary, though he was not part of the line rushes. That leaves his availability for the next game uncertain.
The Rangers’ goaltending situation is still unsettled after Igor Shesterkin was ruled out for the season, but one rumored fix is off the board. Elliotte Friedman said on Sportsnet, “Don’t expect it,” when asked about Connor Hellebuyck, and added that he doesn’t believe the fit works.
Cost is a huge part of that. Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million cap hit through 2031, while Shesterkin makes $11.567 million annually through 2033. Holding both contracts would leave nearly $20 million tied up in two goalies once Shesterkin returns.
Jonathan Quick could be another name in the mix. Kaplan reported that the retired veteran might be an option if the Rangers ask him to come back, though that remains speculation and New York could look at other choices first.
In Toronto, Chris Tanev is headed to injured reserve after leaving Saturday’s 6-3 win over Colorado with an upper-body injury. The Maple Leafs said he’ll be out at least three games, including Tuesday in Utah, Thursday against Buffalo and Saturday against the Islanders.
The Leafs also issued this update: “D Chris Tanev has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 10. D Marshall Rifai has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (maintenance) will not participate in today’s practice.”
There’s always extra concern when Tanev is involved. The 36-year-old played just 11 games in 2025-26 after dealing with concussion, spine and groin injuries, and while he doesn’t bring offense, he eats tough minutes against top competition and is a key piece of the penalty kill.
In Other News...
Blackhawks Face Two Urgent Questions As Their Young Core Evolves
The Blackhawks have spent much of this stretch sorting through the usual October-to-December churn that comes with a young roster: game recaps, injury updates, roster movement and the kind of nightly details that can obscure the bigger picture. For a team still building around its next core, those small developments matter because they shape who is available, who is settling in, and how quickly the group can turn promising stretches into something more consistent.
Chicago is also dealing with the kind of personnel questions that can change the tone around the room in a hurry, especially when a key young forward is on the verge of coming back and another lineup regular is facing league discipline. For a team trying to accelerate its evolution without skipping steps, the next few days may say plenty about both its short-term competitiveness and how much of that young core is ready to carry more responsibility. [Read more 🡒]
Connor Bedard Has Blackhawks Fans Waiting On One Crucial Decision
Connor Bedard has been building toward a return to the Blackhawks lineup after left shoulder surgery three months ago, and the signs have been encouraging. He has moved into full-contact practices, a good step for a player whose season has been on hold while Chicago waits for its top young star to get fully right.
Still, the last box has not been checked yet. Coach Jeff Blashill is waiting on more information from Bedards upcoming doctors appointment before anyone can say for sure when he will be available, which leaves the Blackhawks and their fans in a familiar holding pattern as they look ahead to the game against Pittsburgh. [Read more 🡒]
Blackhawks Are Closing In On Bedard Return At A Crucial Time
Connor Bedards ramp-up has become one of the most closely watched developments around the Blackhawks as they move deeper into the season without him. The young center has made significant progress in his recovery from offseason left shoulder surgery, and his work has picked up enough that he is now taking part in Chicago practices more often, including contact drills.
Head coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard is moving toward a point where the decision could soon shift from medical clearance to a hockey call, which would be a meaningful step for a team trying to settle into its early-season identity. Bedard still has not played in a game this season after missing training camp and the opener, and while the return timeline appears to be moving up from the original mid-November outlook, the final hurdle remains in place. [Read more 🡒]