Fantasy Hockey Injury Report: Tavares Out for Weeks, Hyman Returns and More

Hey folks. We're back with another Fantasy Hockey Injury Report, and there are some important developments for fantasy managers to keep an eye on as the NHL season gets rolling. Whether you're trying to replace a key contributor, searching for a short-term pickup, or waiting for an injured player to get back into the lineup, this week's news brings plenty of lineup questions.

Toronto is facing a significant challenge after losing an important forward for multiple weeks, creating opportunities for other players to step into bigger roles. Meanwhile, Edmonton appears poised to get a key offensive weapon back in the lineup, which should provide a welcome boost for both the Oilers and fantasy managers who have been waiting for his return.

Elsewhere, Washington is missing an important forward as he works his way back from an illness, while Chicago continues to deal with an injury to a heavily used defensemen who has struggled to make an impact offensively early in the season.

As always, we'll break down what these developments mean for your fantasy roster, which players could benefit from the changing lineups, and what you should be watching for next. Let's dive in.

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John Tavares - Toronto Maple Leafs

This is a major blow to the Maple Leafs' top six, as Tavares is expected to miss multiple weeks with a lower-body injury. Toronto has struggled to string together wins early in the season, and with so many major changes to the lineup, this new group hasn't had much time to develop chemistry. The timing is especially rough given the recent struggles of first overall pick Gavin McKenna, who played just 6:36 against Buffalo on Thursday before being benched for the remainder of the game. The young forward is still adjusting to life in the NHL, and losing Tavares, one of the veterans helping guide him through that process, adds another challenge for this new look Leafs squad. The two even live together, making Tavares' absence a potential adjustment both on and off the ice.

Fantasy outlook: Tavares managers will need to find a replacement for the next few weeks, but there could be an opportunity to capitalize on Toronto's lineup changes. Easton Cowan is a player I'd be watching closely, as he could benefit from an expanded role and an opportunity to see more powerplay time. McKenna could also get another chance to establish himself in a more prominent role, but I'd like to see him earn consistent minutes before treating him as a must add. With Tavares out, the Leafs will have to reshuffle their forward lines, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on who gets the biggest boost in ice time and powerplay deployment.

Zach Hyman - Edmonton Oilers

Finally, Hyman is set to return to the lineup after missing the last six games with an undisclosed injury. The veteran winger is expected to suit up Saturday against the Utah Mammoth, giving Edmonton another major offensive weapon as the Oilers look to bounce back from Thursday's loss. Hyman should return to his spot alongside Connor McDavid on the top line, and with his history of producing in high-scoring situations, fantasy managers should be excited to get him back into their lineups. He has a great relationship with head coach Mike Babcock, and I'm expecting him to make an immediate impact as he settles back into his usual role.

Fantasy outlook: Hyman should be back in all fantasy lineups, and I'd expect him to start producing again as he gets comfortable after the layoff. One player I'd keep a keen eye on is Vasily Podkolzin, who has benefited from Hyman's absence but has also proven he can hang with the big boys. Podkolzin has been excellent alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and I expect him to maintain a top-six role even with Hyman back. There's even a chance he sticks on the top powerplay unit if he continues to produce. He's worth adding in deeper leagues, especially those that reward hits, and I wouldn't rush to drop him just because Hyman is returning.

Pierre-Luc Dubois - Washington Capitals

PLD has been sidelined with an illness for several games, and the Washington Capitals have now placed him on injured reserve. It's an unusual situation, as the team has been able to backdate his IR placement to account for the time he's already missed. The good news for fantasy managers is that this move allows you to place Dubois in an IR slot and free up a roster spot while he recovers. Unfortunately, there's still no firm timeline for his return, although he was back at the team's facility Saturday and is expected to resume skating soon. Dubois had four points in his first four games, so his absence is a frustrating interruption after a promising start. 

Fantasy outlook: For now, I'd keep Dubois stashed in your IR slot and see how this situation develops. The lack of a firm return date is frustrating, but at least fantasy managers can free up an active roster spot instead of having to make a difficult drop. One player I'd keep an eye on is Ivan Miroshnichenko, who's been fighting for a consistent spot in Washington's lineup and made the most of his opportunity in his season debut by scoring a goal. With Dubois still out, Miroshnichenko will continue getting opportunities to prove he belongs in the lineup. He's worth monitoring in deeper leagues, particularly if he can maintain a role alongside Washington's top forwards.

Bowen Byram - Chicago Blackhawks

Bo remains out with an upper-body injury and is still considered day-to-day, and he has been confirmed to miss Saturday's matchup against the Dallas Stars. It's been a frustrating start to the season for the 25-year-old defensemen, who was just beginning to find his groove before the injury sidelined him for a second game. Byram recorded his first point of the season against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, adding a powerplay assist to go along with five shots on goal, two hits and nine blocked shots through his first six appearances. He's been logging heavy minutes for Chicago, averaging over 24 minutes per game, but to say his offensive play has been underwhelming compared to his projections with the Hawks would be an understatement. The Hawks need him back and for Byram to find his footing for them to be successful.

Fantasy outlook: Byram managers will need to remain patient for now, but I'm optimistic that we could finally see him start taking steps forward offensively with Connor Bedard back in the lineup. Bedard made his season debut Tuesday and should provide a significant boost to Chicago's powerplay and overall offensive attack. Byram has the ice time and opportunity to become a more useful fantasy defensemen, but he'll need to stay healthy and start turning those minutes into consistent production. I'd hold him for now, especially in deeper leagues, and see whether Bedard's return helps get his season moving in the right direction.