Injury Updates (Sep 20)

The preseason is now over for the Ducks' Luca Sbisa, as the defenseman suffered a sprained ankle this week and will be sidelined for at least two weeks.   The regular season is a little less than two weeks away, so there is a chance that Sbisa may be sidelined for opening night.

I currently have Sbisa projected for 15 points, which is a shade outside my threshold for a pool defenseman, but if the pool goes deep, he may show his face on my list late in the draft.  If he only misses opening night, his projection really isn't in jeopardy.

The Blackhawks have four more preseason games after Thursday night and Marian Hossa will likely not play in the next three games, missing out on Thursday night's game as well, with an upper-body injury.  The coaching staff is hopeful that he can dress for the final preseason game, which will lead him right into the regular season.

After a quick review of the last few years, I think Hossa should be considered an injury-prone player, as he misses games every season.  His 2012 season was his best in the last five years, having played 81, but he has missed some considerable stretches in the other four seasons.

Nevertheless, Hossa is a dynamic offensive force and I think he's good for 80 points, if he remains healthy, but being healthy is a real question mark.

The Devils are having a bit of a rough time with some of their new acquisitions this year.  First, Jaromir Jagr has been suspiciously injured to start training camp and now, on Thursday night, it was Ryane Clowe who left their preseason game against the Islanders with a lower-body injury.

For now, we're keeping an eye on Clowe, as I think he could have a good year in new surroundings.

Another very curious injury situation, as the Leafs appear to have lost the services of two of their top players, Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Bernier.

Kadri blocked a shot with his hand, late in the 2nd period, tried to play early in the 3rd, but after a shift or two, he left the ice for the dressing room and didn't return.

The early indications after the game was that Kadri suffered a bruised hand, as X-rays were negative, so his exit could be deemed precautionary.  I don't think there will be any push to have him play any preseason games in the next few days.

Bernier, on the other hand, was scheduled to play the entire game against the Senators, but left the game after the 1st period with an undisclosed injury.  All the reports that I've read suggest that he was hurt in the pregame skate earlier in the day, but still decided to give it a whirl.  The injury does not sound significant, but he took better precautions by giving it a rest after 20 minutes of play.