Fantasy Hockey Injury Report: Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, Darnell Nurse and Jacob Markstrom

Today I've got several injury updates, two being major pieces that will impact their teams and your roster. We've got two up, one down, and one yet to be determined (but it doesn't look good).

Let's take a look.

Panthers are the new Bolts?

Bad news for your fantasy team: Matthew Tkachuk has been ruled out for the regular season. This will include the entirety of your season, plus playoffs. That's bad for you, but do you know who it's good for? The Panthers.

Do we remember a couple years ago when the Tampa Bay Lightning was ~$18M over the salary cap because their star players including forwards Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos were on IR at the end of the season, but were magically back and ready for game one of the playoffs? They also happened to win the Stanley Cup that year.

What is in the water in Florida, besides alligators? The Panthers' Tkachuk may be out for the regular season, but according to general manager Bill Zito, due to Tkachuk's groin injury, he won't be available until the postseason. Hmm.. Sounds familliar, doesn't it?

Listen, if the Panthers make a big deal before trade deadline, then Tkachuk returns for game one of the playoffs, I will be upset!

Tkachuk has 22 goals, 35 assists, and 23 powerplay points as a forward in 52 games played. He also has 156 shots on goal, 84 hits, and 12 blocked shots. He is a monster out there, and has proven he is built for the playoffs.

Devils: One Up, One Down

The Devils got some good news, and some bad news. As the title says, while getting back goaltender Jacob Markstom in their game against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 2 - they lost superstar Jack Hughes (potentially) in the same game.

We'll start with Markstrom who returned after missing 11 games with a sprained MCL. His return should give them some more stability in the crease and help them continue their push for a deep playoff berth.

Markstrom has 21 wins in 37 games started with a .912 save percentage, a 2.19 goals against average, and three shutouts. Really solid numbers here, and it's no wonder the Devils were stoked to get him back with approximately 20 games until the postseason.

The Devils sit third in the Metro with 72 points, only two points behind the Carolina Hurricanes. It is imperative for them to continue to stack wins. It was great that they got their starter back, until they basically traded him for one of their best offensive weapons in Hughes.

This makes them really no further ahead, and despite Hughes only being listed currently as day-to-day, based on the hit he took the brunt of, it is my opinion that he will be out long term.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe told the media it was “really hard to see him go down” after getting caught up with Vegas Golden Knight Jack Eichel. Both players crashed into the boards in the Golden Knights' end, before Four Nations Face-Off Team USA teammate Eichel checked to see if Hughes was OK. 

Funny note: Keefe got a minor bench penalty for his conduct towards the referees after the hit. Honestly, I love it when coaches get so passionate, and this is why my favorite coach is still John Tortorella, who is the current head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. I love me some Torts interviews!

All antics aside, this is a huge blow to the Devils. Hughes is having a great year and leads the team in goals and points. He is also a favorite of head coach Keefe, who relies on him heavily.

Hughes has 27 goals, 42 assists, and 27 powerplay points as a forward in 62 games played. He also has 229 shots on goal, six hits, and 29 blocked shots. Also of note, Hughes has seven game-winning goals!

Nurse Nursed Back to Health

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse looks to be healthy again and fully practiced with the team on Monday and should return to action on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Nurse missed two games due to an undisclosed injury. Great news for the team, and better news for your fantasy roster. A big hard-hitting defender like this is difficult to replace post fantasy trade deadline, especially in bangers league. Seeing him listed as out with no disclosure was a bit worrisome, but having him back after only two missed games is a sigh of relief for Nurse owners.

Nurse has four goals, 18 assists, and one powerplay point as a defensemen in 55 games played. He also has 140 shots on goal, 110 hits, and 94 blocked shots. Obviously his peripherals are where Nurse shines, again, particularly in bangers leagues. Also of note he has 40 penalty minutes.

Playing on the same team as the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl doesn't hurt either, though.

Bonus Injury News

Can we talk about captain Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets for a minute? He was injured in pre-season and only recently returned and has played four games since returning from his shoulder surgery post Four Nations Face-Off.

Since Jenner has returned, he has put up insane (albeit unsustainable) stats. There was bigger news around this time, such as the trade deadline, but given what he has been able to put together since returning is definitely noteworthy. If he is still available in your league as a waiver wire, then I would pick him up. He is the most increased rostered player in the league right now, so don't sleep on this banger legend.

Jenner has zero goals, seven assists, and is +7 as a forward in four games played. He also has nine shots on goal, seven hits, and six blocked shots. Did I say in four games played? He has only played four games. 

Four. Unreal, but probably not sustainable. Still worth a pickup, though! We will keep our eye on him, and report back later with a bigger sample size.