Fantasy Hockey Injury Updates: Linus Ullmark, Darcy Kuemper, Adam Fox and More

Hey folks. Happy New Year! Let's bring in 2026 by looking across the league at some injuries.

There is trouble brewing in a few NHL creases, highlighted by uncertain timelines and growing workload concerns, while the blueline sees a mix of setbacks and potential returns. From Ottawa and Los Angeles to New York and Toronto, these situations carry real short-term and long-term fantasy implications that managers need to stay ahead of.

Whether you are protecting a narrow lead in the standings or trying to make a mid-season push, navigating injuries correctly can be the difference between staying competitive and falling behind. Below, we break down what these absences and returns mean right now, who benefits in the short term, and how fantasy managers should be adjusting their rosters heading into the new year.

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Linus Ullmark - Ottawa Senators

Ullmark has been granted a leave of absence from the Senators for personal reasons, and at this point there is no timeline for his return. Any time a starting goaltender steps away without a clear date attached, it creates uncertainty not only for the team but for fantasy managers trying to plan week to week.

In Ullmark's absence, Leevi Merilainen is expected to handle the majority of the starts. While the opportunity is significant, consistency in the crease becomes a major concern for Ottawa. That lack of stability is unlikely to help a Senators' team that is already struggling in the standings. Sitting last in the division puts them in an awkward position, where short-term results may suffer even if it subtly improves their long-term draft outlook.

From a fantasy perspective, Ullmark remains a hold in all formats, but patience is required. Merilainen is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues based on volume alone, though expectations should be managed carefully. Ottawa is still trying to move forward with its core rather than take a step back, but until Ullmark returns, fantasy managers should prepare for volatility in this situation.

Ullmark has 14 wins in 28 games started as a goaltender. He also has an .881 save percentage, 2.95 goals against average, and one shutout.

Darcy Kuemper - Los Angeles Kings

Kuemper is slated to return to the lineup tonight and has been activated off injured reserve, which is excellent news for the Kings and for fantasy managers alike. His return immediately stabilizes a Los Angeles team that has been missing its workhorse in net and searching for consistency during his absence.

When healthy, Kuemper typically carries one of the heavier workloads among NHL goaltenders, and there is little reason to expect that to change. The Kings have slid into a wild card spot without him, and they will be eager to lean on their starter as they look to reestablish their footing in the standings. Volume alone makes Kuemper a valuable fantasy asset, and his return should also bring more predictable results on a nightly basis.

For fantasy managers, this is a straightforward green light. If you held Kuemper through the injury, this is the payoff. He should resume seeing the majority of starts right away, making him an automatic start in all formats. Kuemper owners can rejoice, as this is about as positive a return scenario as you could hope for.

Kuemper has 10 wins in 23 games started as a goaltender. He also has a .917 save percentage, 2.19 goals against average, and two shutouts.

Adam Fox - New York Rangers

Fox returned to the lineup Wednesday against the Washington Capitals and wasted no time reminding everyone why he is among the league's elite defensemen. He made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and adding an assist, instantly elevating a Rangers' team that has struggled to find consistency this season.

Even on a sputtering New York roster, Fox remains the engine of the blueline. He quarterbacks the top powerplay unit, logs massive minutes in all situations, and provides a calming presence that stabilizes both the defensive structure and the man advantage. His return is a major boost not only for the Rangers, but for fantasy managers who rely on his steady production.

From a fantasy standpoint, there are no questions here. Fox is locked back into must start territory across all formats and should be deployed confidently moving forward. He is a keeper through and through, and if there were any lingering doubts about his health or effectiveness, his return performance put those to rest immediately.

Fox has three goals, 23 assists, and eight powerplay points in 27 games played as a defenseman. He also has 51 shots on goal, 15 hits, and 41 blocked shots.

Anthony Stolarz - Toronto Maple Leafs

Stolarz's return remains uncertain, with head coach Craig Berube noting that his comeback timeline is still indefinite. The lack of communication throughout his injury only added to the concern. However, as of December 31, Stolarz has skated with the team for the first time since suffering his upper-body injury, giving hope that he could rejoin the crease sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, Joseph Woll has started the majority of games, despite the plan for Woll and Stolarz to operate as a tandem this season. Dennis Hildeby has backed up Woll and would likely return to the AHL if Stolarz comes back, but Stolarz's health remains a question mark. Woll has delivered steady performances despite inconsistent defensive support from Toronto, which means fantasy managers should temper expectations for Stolarz if and when he returns.

From a fantasy perspective, Stolarz is best treated as a watch list option. His potential value depends entirely on opportunity and workload, and managers should monitor his skating progress closely before making any roster moves. In deeper leagues, he could be worth stashing for a potential short-term boost, but hedging expectations is crucial given the uncertainty surrounding his health and timing.

Stolarz has six wins in 13 games started as a goaltender. He also has a .928 save percentage, 2.44 goals against average, and zero shutouts.

Christopher Tanev - Toronto Maple Leafs

Tanev's situation has taken a significant turn for the worse. After returning for just three games, he is now expected to miss a “significant amount of time,” a major blow to the Maple Leafs' blueline. Tanev is Toronto's primary defensive bulwark, and when he is out, the ripple effects are felt throughout the defensive core.

The Leafs have already struggled this season on both ends of the ice, and their consistency has been shaky at best. While they did manage a shutout against the New Jersey Devils in their last game, the absence of Auston Matthews and William Nylander (don't ask how that's possible - this team is a mystery) combined with Tanev's injury will put even more stress on their defensive play.

From a fantasy perspective, Tanev is primarily a streamer. His value comes less from points and more from the stability he brings to the team - his defensive play, +/- ratings, and the impact on wins are all significant. Without him, the Leafs' overall defensive performance, and by extension fantasy results in categories tied to defensive play and goaltending, are likely to suffer. Managers should adjust expectations accordingly and consider short term replacements in categories that Tanev normally influences.

Tanev has zero goals, two assists, and has a +/- of +8 in 11 games played as a defenseman. He also has eight shots on goal, two hits, and 15 blocked shots.