Ducks Injury Report: Vatrano, Strome Register Points in Return; Granlund to IR

Frank Vatrano scored an empty netter in his first game back since fracturing his shoulder, and Ryan Strome registered an assist in his return to the lineup.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Anaheim Ducks saw some good news and bad news on the injury front in their 5-1 win over the New York Islanders. Forward Frank Vatrano returned to the lineup after missing over a month with a fractured shoulder, scoring a goal and setting up another. Center Ryan Strome also returned to the lineup after a six-game absence due to illness. However, the Ducks placed forward Mikael Granlund on injured reserve with an upper-body injury sustained at the Olympics. Top scorer Troy Terry also missed his fourth straight game with an upper-body injury.

Why it matters

The Ducks have been dealing with a number of key injuries this season, so the returns of Vatrano and Strome provide a boost to their lineup. However, the loss of Granlund, who has been one of their top scorers, is a significant blow as they push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The status of Terry, the team's leading scorer, is also a concern.

The details

Vatrano fractured his shoulder on Dec. 27 when he went shoulder-first into the boards in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. He returned to practice on Feb. 28 after taking time away from the team following the death of his older brother. Strome had been a healthy scratch for six straight games before returning to the lineup on Wednesday. Granlund suffered his upper-body injury late in Finland's bronze medal game at the Olympics and has not played or practiced since. Terry has now missed four straight games with an upper-body issue after previously missing 11 games in January with a similar injury.

  • Vatrano fractured his shoulder on Dec. 27.
  • Vatrano returned to Ducks practice on Feb. 17 and Feb. 28.
  • Vatrano returned to the lineup on March 5.
  • Strome last played on Jan. 26.
  • Granlund was injured in the Olympics on an unspecified date.

The players

Frank Vatrano

A 31-year-old forward for the Anaheim Ducks who fractured his shoulder on Dec. 27 and returned to the lineup on March 5.

Ryan Strome

A 32-year-old center for the Anaheim Ducks who returned to the lineup on March 5 after a six-game absence due to illness.

Mikael Granlund

A 34-year-old forward for the Anaheim Ducks who was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury sustained at the Olympics.

Troy Terry

A 28-year-old forward for the Anaheim Ducks who has missed four straight games with an upper-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“It's tough seeing Frankie–you know, he went through a really tough time, and knowing Frankie from before (in Florida), we know what he's all about. Great, great teammate. I think he's beloved everywhere he goes, and everybody he touches in this game. Everybody knows how close they were as a family and their brothers.”

— Joel Quenneville, Ducks Head Coach (Yahoo Sports)

“These guys are veterans on our team. They've seen it all. It's hard to come just jumping right back in the lineup after 6 weeks and not playing hockey and make a big impact like that. They're both vocal guys in the locker room and on the ice. And they try to make our young guys' jobs easier. Just super happy they're able to jump right in and get on the score sheet.”

— Martin Gauthier, Ducks Assistant Coach (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Ducks will continue to monitor the status of Granlund and Terry as they push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Ducks are getting some key veteran players back from injury, which should provide a boost to their lineup. However, the loss of Granlund and the continued absence of Terry are significant blows as they try to solidify their position in the playoff race.