NHL Injury Update: Top 5 NHL Players who are expected to make a comeback after sustaining injuries

As the 2025-2026 NHL season progresses, several star players in the league have been sidelined due to injuries that they sustained while playing. Some were minor, while some had to take months of leave to recover. As their return is edging closer to returning to their lineups, the comebacks are highly anticipated and could have a significant impact on their team's playoff hopes and standings. Let's take a look at the list of the top 5 players of NHL who are expected to make a return after being sidelined for weeks months from playing any matches.

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will return to the lineup, as the Leafs will lock horns against the last-place Winnipeg Jets in Toronto for a New Year’s Day clash. According to reports, Matthews did not return after Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, following a block shot and a lower-body injury for which he had to miss an important match.

He was initially listed as day-to-day before practice and sat out during Tuesday’s 4–0 win over the New Jersey Devils, with head coach Craig Berube calling his status uncertain. However, Thursday morning’s session took a positive turn for Matthews, as he was seen skating alongside his teammates and looked perfect.

Tristan Jarry (Edmonton Oilers)

According to the NHL, Tristan Jarry is going to "be out a couple of weeks," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. The goalie was placed on injured reserve because of an undisclosed injury he sustained during the second period of a 3-1 win against the Boston Bruins. It was Jarry's third game since being acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 12. The Oilers have placed Tristan Jarry on injured reserve and have called up Connor Ingram from the AHL. However, there is no time frame yet for Jarry's return.

Jonathan Marchessault (Nashville Predators)

Jonathan Marchessault did not play for the Predators in their 2-1 win against the Rangers after sustaining a lower-body injury. The forward, who is day-to-day, also missed a 5-3 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a recent match. Marchessault sustained the injury during the second period of a 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on December 28. He has 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in 28 games.

Brandon Montour (Seattle Kraken)

Brandon Montour will be sidelined for four weeks after having hand surgery, team Kraken has announced recently. The defenseman missed his third straight game when Seattle defeated the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 on Monday. He has 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 27 games this season and is second for Seattle in time on ice per game (21:56). It is expected that he might make a comeback soon this year after his recovery.

Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings)

Darcy Kuemper is nearing a return for the LA Kings, as announced by the team. The goalie has apparently missed two games with an upper-body injury. He was seen on the ice with their coach, but did not play in Monday's 3-1 loss against the Blue Jackets. Fans can expect Kuemper to play vert soon for the LA Kings in their upcoming match this week.

Also read: NHL Update: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews returns to lineup ahead of game against Winnipeg Jets | NHL News - The Times of India