Injuries are taking a toll across the NHL as several key players are sidelined. Anaheim Ducks' Brock McGinn recently underwent ACL surgery and is expected to miss 7-9 months. Isac Lundestrom's status remains day-to-day due to a lower-body injury while Trevor Zegras has returned from a meniscus tear. The Boston Bruins placed Mark Kastelic on IR, while the Dallas Stars welcomed Roope Hintz back to their lineup, but Mason Marchment remains out. In Nashville, Cole Smith has been activated from IR. The New York Islanders are dealing with Noah Dobson's absence due to a lower-body injury, with no return date set.

Meanwhile, goaltender Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators was seen at practice but didn’t skate, and Ryan Poehling of the Philadelphia Flyers is recovering from a head injury. Toronto Maple Leafs' Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty have also missed time due to injuries, with the team hopeful about John Tavares’ potential return to skating soon. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz continues to make progress after a knee procedure, and Vancouver Canucks are monitoring several players, including Noah Juulsen and Kevin Lankinen, who missed a game due to illness.

Brock McGinn of the Anaheim Ducks will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. The recovery period is projected to take between seven to nine months. McGinn, 30, has had a modest season, tallying eight points in 26 games, and has accumulated 158 points over 534 regular-season games throughout his career split between the Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes. In playoff performances, he has achieved 14 points in 41 games. In other Ducks news, Isac Lundestrom is listed as day-to-day due to a lower-body injury. The Ducks currently sit at 18-22-6 as they prepare to face the Florida Panthers.

In recent NHL action, several players faced injuries or returns to their teams. Brock McGinn of the Anaheim Ducks left his game early, while Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres made a comeback after battling back spasms.

Other notable mentions include Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, who was assisted off the ice but returned, and Patrik Laine of the Montreal Canadiens, who did not return after taking hits. Additionally, the Minnesota Wild activated Yakov Trenin from IR, while several players across teams dealt with various injuries.

Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks is back on the ice but remains day-to-day. Coach Greg Cronin provided an update on Trevor Zegras, who is undergoing evaluation for a lower-body issue, with reports indicating he is using crutches.

Brock McGinn has returned to the Ducks after a seven-game absence due to injury. Meanwhile, Tomas Tatar of the New Jersey Devils is back after missing two games, and New York Islanders forwards Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal were seen skating individually.

Brett Berard of the New York Rangers practiced in a no-contact jersey, while Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken missed a game due to an undisclosed injury. The Vancouver Canucks activated Thatcher Demko from IR, who will back up Kevin Lankinen. Lastly, Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights returned to play after dealing with a pulled muscle.

In a commanding performance, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks 5-1, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Marco Rossi shone with two goals and an assist, while Kirill Kaprizov contributed a goal and two assists. Matt Boldy also made his mark with a goal and two assists.

The Ducks, missing key players Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson, managed a late goal from Brock McGinn, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. Filip Gustavsson was solid in goal for the Wild, making 26 saves.