Atlantic Division Injury Roundup: Red Wings Lose Edvinsson, Ullmark Nears Return, Nylander Skates Again
The Detroit Red Wings will be without Simon Edvinsson for the second straight game tonight as they face off against Winnipeg, and it sounds like the young defenseman could be sidelined for a bit longer. The team plans to reevaluate Edvinsson once they return home from their current road trip, and depending on how that assessment goes, a more definitive decision will be made about his recovery path. That kind of language usually signals the possibility of a longer-term absence - and that’s a tough pill to swallow for a Detroit blue line that’s leaned heavily on the 22-year-old this season.
Edvinsson has quietly become one of the Red Wings’ most reliable defenders. In 48 games, he’s logged 17 points, racked up 104 blocked shots, and is averaging a career-best 22:35 of ice time per night.
Those are the kind of minutes that speak volumes about how much trust the coaching staff has in him. Losing that kind of presence - especially one so young and mobile - is a real challenge for a team trying to stay competitive in a tight Atlantic Division race.
Ullmark’s Return Couldn’t Come Sooner for Struggling Senators
In Ottawa, there’s some good news on the horizon. Goaltender Linus Ullmark is expected to rejoin the lineup soon - potentially as early as Sunday - after stepping away for personal reasons related to mental health following the holiday break.
His absence has left a noticeable void in the crease, with the Senators’ goaltending situation becoming increasingly unstable in recent weeks. Backup Leevi Merilainen was recently sent back to the minors to regroup after a string of tough outings.
Ullmark’s return could provide much-needed stability to a team that’s been leaking goals at an alarming rate. And that’s not the only change behind the scenes.
Assistant coach Mike Yeo has taken over the penalty kill duties from Nolan Baumgartner. It’s a unit that’s been underperforming all season - Ottawa currently ranks 31st in the league on the PK with a success rate of just 71.7%.
That’s a number that simply has to improve if the Sens want to turn things around in the second half.
Nylander Back on the Ice, But Leafs Remain Cautious
Over in Toronto, William Nylander is back skating as he continues to recover from a nagging groin injury. It’s the same issue that cost him six games earlier in the season, and he re-aggravated it just four games into his return. While there’s still no official timetable for when he’ll be back in the lineup, seeing him back on the ice is a positive sign.
The Maple Leafs are understandably playing it safe with Nylander. Groin injuries can be tricky - especially for a player whose game relies so heavily on speed and agility. Rushing him back could risk a longer-term setback, and with the playoffs still months away, Toronto has every reason to prioritize his long-term health.
Dakota Joshua Skates, But Return Still a Ways Off
Also in Toronto, forward Dakota Joshua took a significant step forward in his recovery, skating for the first time since suffering a lacerated kidney. He’s missed the last 13 games and counting, and while getting back on the ice is a key milestone, head coach Craig Berube made it clear that Joshua is still far from returning to game action.
Joshua is in his first season with the Leafs and had been playing a physical bottom-six role before the injury. In 36 games, he recorded 10 points and delivered 127 hits - the kind of energy and grit that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet but makes a difference over the course of a season. His eventual return will give Toronto another tool in their depth chart, but for now, patience remains the name of the game.
Across the Atlantic Division, injuries and absences are testing depth charts and coaching staffs alike. Whether it’s a top-pairing defenseman in Detroit, a stabilizing goalie in Ottawa, or key pieces in Toronto’s lineup, the grind of the NHL season is on full display. How these teams navigate the next few weeks could go a long way in shaping their playoff hopes.