Fantasy Hockey Injury Report: Shesterkin Out for Season, Eklund's Major Setback, and More

Hey folks. We're back with another fantasy hockey injury report, and unfortunately, there is no shortage of injury news to cover after the latest round of games. Some big names are dealing with potentially serious injuries, while other fantasy contributors are facing absences that could leave managers scrambling to adjust their lineups.

This time around, we're looking at a scary situation involving one of the NHL's top goaltenders, a young forward expected to miss an extended period, and a pair of important players whose return timelines remain uncertain. We'll also cover another veteran who has been ruled week-to-week, leaving fantasy managers wondering how long they'll have to wait for him to get back on the ice.

As always, we'll break down what these injuries mean for the players involved, their teams, and your fantasy hockey roster. Let's look at who you should be holding, who could be worth stashing, and where there might be an opportunity to find help on the waiver wire. Let's dive in.

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Igor Shesterkin - New York Rangers

This is a nightmare scenario for the New York Rangers, who were finally starting to build some momentum and look like a team capable of returning to form after a disappointing season. Shesterkin had to be helped off the ice Friday night against the Washington Capitals after awkwardly jamming his right skate into the goalpost and collapsing in pain. He was unable to put any weight on his right leg as teammates helped him off the ice, which made for a very concerning scene.

The Rangers have sadly ruled him out for the season, announcing the news Saturday morning. Shesterkin was off to an excellent start to the season, and losing him for any significant period would be a massive blow to a team that had won four straight games before Friday's loss. 

There is already some speculation about whether this injury could push the Rangers to make a major move for Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg. It's an interesting possibility, especially with the Jets reportedly listening to offers for their star goaltender, but I wouldn't get too carried away just yet. A deal like that would be complicated, particularly with Hellebuyck's no-trade clause, the assets Winnipeg would want in return, and the financial implications of potentially carrying two massive goaltender contracts.

The Rangers also have Joonas Korpisalo dealing with a lower-body injury, leaving Dylan Garand in a potentially significant role while both veterans are sidelined.

Fantasy outlook: Obviously, Shesterkin is a must-hold still a must hold in dynasty or keeper leagues, however he is now safe to drop in redraft leagues - and I can't believe I am saying that about one of the most elite goaltenders in the league. Garand is the name I'd be watching on the waiver wire, particularly in deeper leagues or formats where goaltending depth is hard to find. With Korpisalo also unavailable, Garand could see plenty of opportunity until Korpisalo is healthy, or the Rangers make a significant move in net.

Bo Horvat - New York Islanders

Thankfully, it looks like Horvat avoided a serious injury after receiving an illegal check to the head from Frank Nazar in Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Islanders' captain was pulled from the game and evaluated after the hit, leaving his status for Saturday's matchup against Tampa Bay in question.

However, Horvat is expected to return to the lineup after practicing on the top line and top powerplay unit during Saturday's morning skate. It's a huge relief for New York, especially considering the hot start he's had to the season.

Fantasy outlook: Horvat should remain locked into fantasy lineups as long as he's cleared to play. He's producing at an excellent pace and remains a key offensive piece for the Islanders, particularly on the powerplay. The injury scare is worth monitoring, but with him expected back Saturday, fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief and keep rolling him out there.

Josh Morrissey - Winnipeg Jets

Morrissey remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury and missed Friday's game against the Anaheim Ducks. The good news is that his status has been upgraded, which is an encouraging sign as he works his way back into the lineup.

Through four games this season, Morrissey has recorded three assists and 12 shots on goal, although he has yet to score. With the Jets' best defensemen sidelined, Haydn Fleury is seeing time on the second powerplay unit. The Jets have struggled to generate offense without Morrissey, so getting him back should be a welcome boost for this team.

Fantasy outlook: I'm keeping Morrissey on IR until we get a confirmed return date. The upgrade to day-to-day is encouraging, and depending on how his recovery progresses, he could be a game-time decision over the next couple of games. However, I wouldn't rush to activate him until we know he's ready to go. He's too important to Winnipeg's offense and powerplay to risk losing that roster flexibility over a premature return. Monitor the updates closely, but for now, patience is the play.

Mats Zuccarello - Los Angeles Kings

Zuccarello has now been ruled week-to-week with an upper-body injury, adding another concern for a veteran forward who was already dealing with a shoulder issue during training camp. It's unclear whether the current injury is related to that previous problem, but the 39-year-old has now been ruled out after recording one assist through his first three games with the Kings.

Los Angeles will have to make do without him for at least the short term, and his absence could open up additional opportunities for other forwards in the lineup. 

Fantasy outlook: I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with Zuccarello, especially in deeper leagues where his experience and offensive ability could still make him useful. The week-to-week designation is frustrating, and at his age, the recurring injury concerns are worth keeping in mind. I'd hold him if you have the roster space and expect him to contribute when healthy, but managers in shallower leagues may have better options available on the waiver wire. Monitor the updates before making a decision, keeping in mind his production will not be the same on the Kings as it was with the Wild.

William Eklund - Ottawa Senators

This is really not the news we wanted to hear, and it compounds what has already been an unfortunate start to Eklund's time in Ottawa. After being brought in from San Jose this offseason to help fill the offensive hole left by Brady Tkachuk's departure, Eklund was supposed to get a fresh start with the Senators and establish himself as an important piece of their offense. Instead, he suffered a scary ankle injury against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, leaving the ice without being able to put weight on his left leg.

Ottawa announced Friday that Eklund will be out for an extended period, although head coach Travis Green does expect him to return at some point this season. The good news is that surgery isn't currently expected, but with no specific timeline available, this is still a significant setback for both Eklund and his new team.

This is a huge blow to a Senators team that brought Eklund in to help strengthen its forward group. Ottawa invested significant draft capital in acquiring him, and the hope was that a change of scenery would help him continue building on three straight seasons with at least 45 points. Instead, he'll have to put that transition on hold while he recovers, and the Senators will need other forwards to step up in his absence. It's especially unfortunate for Eklund because he was still getting comfortable with his new teammates and had barely begun his opportunity to show what he could bring to this lineup.

Fantasy outlook: This is a tough one for the fantasy managers who drafted Eklund expecting a fresh start and a productive season in Ottawa. I'm still not ready to give up on him outright, especially in deeper leagues, but an extended absence changes the equation.

If you have an injured reserve spot available, I'd use it and wait for a clearer timeline. In shallower leagues, I can understand moving on if you need immediate production and can't afford to carry an injured player for an unknown length of time. We wanted to see Eklund get a real chance to hit his stride with the Senators before making any decisions, but unfortunately, fantasy managers are now going to have to wait quite a bit longer to see what that looks like.