NHL Injury Updates: Star Players Sidelined Across the League

From Crosby to Kadri, a host of top talents are dealing with injuries as the playoffs approach

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and colors, conveying the intensity and chaos of the sport.The NHL's injury report exposes the physical toll of the sport, as teams navigate the loss of star players and the challenges of maintaining playoff hopes.Denton Today

The NHL's injury report is filled with high-profile names this week, as several star players across the league are sidelined with various ailments. The Pittsburgh Penguins are without captain Sidney Crosby due to a lower-body injury, while the Colorado Avalanche will likely be missing Nazem Kadri against the Vegas Golden Knights because of a finger injury. The Dallas Stars are also dealing with injuries to Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz, casting doubt on their playoff availability.

Why it matters

Injuries to star players can have a major impact on playoff races and the postseason picture. Teams will be tested in terms of their depth and ability to overcome the loss of key contributors. The NHL's injury report highlights the physical toll the sport takes on elite athletes and raises questions about player safety and the league's approach to protecting its biggest draws.

The details

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a tough battle against the Washington Capitals without Sidney Crosby, who is nursing a lower-body injury. The Tampa Bay Lightning are welcoming back Brandon Hagel, who has been a key contributor this season, but are still without Darren Raddysh and Zemgus Girgensons, both day-to-day with undisclosed injuries. The Colorado Avalanche will likely be without Nazem Kadri against the Vegas Golden Knights due to a finger injury, while the Dallas Stars are dealing with lower-body injuries to Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz that could keep them out of the playoffs. The Edmonton Oilers are also questioning the availability of Connor Ingram, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

  • Sidney Crosby has been out since an undisclosed date in April.
  • Brandon Hagel returned to the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup this week.
  • Nazem Kadri is unlikely to play against the Vegas Golden Knights on April 15th.
  • Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars are doubtful for the playoffs.
  • Connor Ingram of the Edmonton Oilers is day-to-day with his undisclosed injury.

The players

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury.

Brandon Hagel

A key contributor for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who has returned to the lineup after an injury.

Nazem Kadri

A star player for the Colorado Avalanche, who is unlikely to play against the Vegas Golden Knights due to a finger injury.

Miro Heiskanen

A defenseman for the Dallas Stars, who is doubtful for the playoffs due to a lower-body injury.

Roope Hintz

A forward for the Dallas Stars, who is also doubtful for the playoffs due to a lower-body injury.

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What’s next

The NHL will continue to monitor the status of these injured players as the playoffs approach, and teams will need to adjust their strategies and lineups accordingly. The league may also face increased scrutiny over player safety and the long-term health of its stars.

The takeaway

The NHL's injury report serves as a reminder of the fragility of elite athletes and the challenges teams face in maintaining their playoff hopes when key players are sidelined. As the league looks to protect its biggest draws, it must strike a balance between the physical demands of the sport and the long-term well-being of its athletes.