Key NHL Players Return as Injuries Linger

Skinner, Chabot back in action, but Devils' Hughes out for season

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:44am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring hockey players in motion, with vibrant neon colors and expressive brushstrokes capturing the dynamic nature of the sport.Injuries and returns shake up the NHL landscape as teams navigate the delicate balance of player health and competitive success.NYC Today

The NHL is seeing a mix of player returns and injuries, with the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stuart Skinner and Ottawa Senators' Thomas Chabot making comebacks, while New Jersey Devils' Luke Hughes will miss the rest of the season. The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are also dealing with goalie and defensive injuries, respectively.

Why it matters

Player availability is crucial for teams' playoff pushes, and these updates highlight the delicate balance between managing injuries and maintaining competitive rosters. The decisions made by teams regarding player health can have significant long-term implications.

The details

Stuart Skinner has returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins after recovering from an eye injury, while Thomas Chabot is back in action for the Ottawa Senators following a broken forearm. However, the New Jersey Devils will be without defenseman Luke Hughes for the remainder of the season due to an upper-body injury, a strategic move to prioritize his long-term health. The Edmonton Oilers are also dealing with uncertainty around goaltender Connor Ingram, who was replaced during a recent game, and the Florida Panthers have lost defenseman Seth Jones to a broken foot.

  • Skinner returned to the Penguins' lineup after missing time due to an eye injury sustained in a game against the Florida Panthers.
  • Chabot is set to play in the Senators' upcoming game against the Florida Panthers after recovering from a broken right forearm in March.
  • Hughes will miss the rest of the season for the Devils as he focuses on his long-term health and offseason rehab.
  • Ingram's status for the Oilers' upcoming game against the Los Angeles Kings is uncertain after he was replaced by Tristan Jarry during a game against the San Jose Sharks.
  • Jones sustained a broken foot in a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens, and his absence is a significant blow to the Florida Panthers.

The players

Stuart Skinner

A goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has returned to the lineup after recovering from an eye injury.

Thomas Chabot

A defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who is making his comeback after breaking his right forearm in March.

Luke Hughes

A 22-year-old defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who will miss the remainder of the season due to an upper-body injury.

Connor Ingram

The Edmonton Oilers' goaltender whose status is uncertain after being replaced during a recent game.

Seth Jones

A defenseman for the Florida Panthers who sustained a broken foot in a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens.

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What they’re saying

“We must prioritize Luke's long-term health and give him a head start on his offseason rehab.”

— Sheldon Keefe, Head Coach, New Jersey Devils

“Ingram's status is questionable for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Kings.”

— Kris Knoblauch, Head Coach, Edmonton Oilers

What’s next

The Devils will continue to monitor Luke Hughes' recovery and rehabilitation, with the goal of having him fully healthy for the start of next season. The Oilers and Panthers will also need to assess the status of Ingram and Jones, respectively, and determine the best course of action to address their absences.

The takeaway

These NHL updates highlight the delicate balance teams must strike between managing player injuries and maintaining competitive rosters. The decisions made regarding player health can have significant long-term implications, as seen with the Devils' approach to Hughes' recovery. As the season progresses, teams will need to navigate these challenges to position themselves for success.