Fantasy Hockey Injury Report: Activating William Nylander and Shea Theodore, Plus Key IR Returns

Hey folks. Injury reports usually focus on who fantasy managers are losing, but in this article I have flipped the script, with five players all set to return from injured reserve. 

From high-end offensive production to blue line stability and depth scoring, these activations touch nearly every type of fantasy roster and format.

Getting players back from injured reserve is always a win, especially when multiple returns happen at once and force real lineup decisions. Whether you're activating stars, reassessing depth pieces, or looking for category coverage, these returns matter right away. 

Let's dive right in to these returning players across the league, as fantasy managers welcome them back with open, eager arms.

Make sure to check out our Fantasy Hockey Projections. Outlooks at your fingertips that always give you an in-depth snapshot and an accurate outlook of what you expect from every player -  all season long. Powered by AI; refined by our experts.

William Nylander - Toronto Maple Leafs

Nylander is finally set to return to a Maple Leafs' lineup that has badly missed his offensive drive and creativity. Toronto has struggled to generate consistent scoring since the departure of Mitch Marner, and without Nylander, the offense has often looked predictable and easier to defend. His return immediately raises the team's ceiling, especially at even strength, where his ability to transport the puck and create off the rush stands out.

At this point, Nylander has established himself as one of the premier players in the league. He is an elite scorer with a playmaker's touch, capable of driving a line on his own while still elevating the players around him. Expect him to step right back into a top line role and reclaim his spot on the top powerplay unit, where his shooting threat forces defensive adjustments and opens space for others.

From a fantasy perspective, there should be no hesitation here. Nylander must activate in all formats, even if there is minor rust in his first game back. The role, usage, and offensive environment are all firmly in place, and Toronto will lean heavily on him as they try to reestablish their offensive identity.

Nylander has 15 goals, 28 assists, and nine powerplay points in 34 games played as a forward. He also has 69 shots on goal, four hits, and 12 blocked shots.

Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights

Theodore was activated from injured reserve Saturday and returns to a Golden Knights' blue line that is simply more structured and effective when he is in the lineup. Vegas defends better with Theodore on the ice, not just because of his skating and puck movement, but because of the calm and control he brings in transition and zone exits.

He is expected to return in a second pairing role at even strength while also seeing special teams time on the second powerplay unit. While that may slightly cap his immediate offensive ceiling, the overall usage still carries strong fantasy value. Theodore's ability to drive possession, contribute assists, and log meaningful minutes makes him a stabilizing presence on the back end.

For fantasy managers, this is a return that should not be overlooked. Even without top powerplay deployment, Theodore offers reliable production and a strong floor thanks to his all-around game and veteran presence. He is a safe activation in most formats and a steady option as Vegas regains its defensive identity with him back in the fold.

Theodore has four goals, 16 assists, and four powerplay points in 31 games played as a defensemen. He also has 74 shots on goal, one hit, and 48 blocked shots.

Kaiden Guhle - Montreal Canadiens

Guhle missed 39 games with a groin injury, and as many fantasy managers know, blueliners and groin injuries don't mix well. While he is returning to the Canadiens' lineup, his role will be limited at least initially, as Montreal manages his ice time to ease him back into game shape and reduce re-injury risk.

Don't expect his usual full physical style immediately. He may be slower to engage in heavy board battles or chase down opposing forwards during the first few games back. That said, Guhle's return is a huge boost for the Canadiens' blueline, restoring defensive stability, physicality, and sandpaper presence that the team sorely missed.

For fantasy purposes, Guhle is a must grab off the waiver wire if he was available. His long-term value is clear: once he regains form and resumes his standard ice time, he becomes a reliable source of peripheral stats like hits, blocks, and even potential point contributions on a rebuilding Montreal squad.

Guhle has one goal, one assist, and seven penalty minutes in six games played as a defensemen. He also has seven shots on goal, 16 hits, and five blocked shots.

Simon Nemec - New Jersey Devils

Nemec is back in the Devils' lineup after missing 12 games with a lower-body injury. New Jersey's blueline has struggled defensively this season, and having Nemec back immediately improves the depth and stability on a group that has been exposed too often.

He's starting in a third pairing role, likely to ease him back into game shape after his time off. That said, Nemec has shown he can be a dynamic contributor, tallying impressive offensive numbers earlier this season and proving he can drive play from the back end. As the team rebuilds confidence in him, his minutes and involvement - potentially including the powerplay - should increase, though he was already getting time on the second powerplay unit as it's quarterback.

Fantasy managers should view Nemec as a hold for the long term, particularly in deeper leagues. Early games may come with limited stats, but once he ramps up, he provides both defensive stability and scoring upside, making him a high-upside addition for any roster that can wait out the initial adjustment period.

Nemec has seven goals, 11 assists, and 16 penalty minutes in 32 games played as a defensemen. He also has 53 shots on goal, nine hits, 47 blocked shots.

Jaden Schwartz - Seattle Kraken

Schwartz was activated from injured reserve and returned to action Saturday night. Before his lower-body injury, he was contributing consistently at a high level offensively, showing the ability to generate points and create opportunities in a top six role. While it's uncertain whether he will immediately regain that production, his skillset and hockey IQ suggest he could pick up where he left off once fully back in rhythm.

Even if his scoring dips slightly at first, Schwartz offers a strong fantasy floor thanks to his physical play and peripheral contributions. Hits, blocks, and consistent even strength minutes make him a reliable option for managers seeking steady production across multiple categories. His return also stabilizes Seattle's top six, providing both lineup security and potential point upside as the team leans on him in offensive situations.

From a fantasy perspective, Schwartz is an immediate activate in most formats and a strong hold for managers who can accommodate any short-term rust, as his usage and role are unlikely to change dramatically with his return, as he was already on the second forward line, and top powerplay unit. 

That said, the Kraken are still riddled with injuries including Brandon Montour, Chandler Stephenson, and Jordan Eberle. Look for the Kraken's play to level out once they get healthy, and to struggle a bit until then.

Schwartz has eight goals, seven assists, and three powerplay points in 24 games played as a forward. He also has 48 shots on goal, 24 hits, and 21 blocked shots.