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NHL Injuries: Crosby, Bergeron, Other Big Names Out for Season Openers

By Suraj Sukumar |
Sep 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Brad Marchand (63) celebrates with teammates Patrice Bergeron (37) and Sidney Crosby (87) after scoring a goal against the Team Europe during the first period in game one of the World Cup of Hockey final at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Brad Marchand (63) celebrates with teammates Patrice Bergeron (37) and Sidney Crosby (87) after scoring a goal against the Team Europe during the first period in game one of the World Cup of Hockey final at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Injuries are going to be a problem at the start of the year as the large list continue to grow with several stars missing their season opener.  Buffalo’s Jack Eichel is the latest after being helped off the ice at practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury.

NHL injuries have been the main story line as the 2016-17 season gets underway. Since the last week of the preseason, and the conclusion of the World Cup of Hockey, several big names have been diagnosed with injuries and are set to miss their team’s season opener.

Let’s take a quick look at some of those players on the shelf, including status updates and return expectations:

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Sidney Crosby

Sid the Kid is sadly dealing with concussion symptoms once again. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ captain has been sidelined for the past week, and will miss the Penguins‘ opener against the Washington Capitals. In the past, Crosby has missed extensive time due to similar injuries, but there is a chance this is a minor ailment in comparison.

The good news is Crosby is back at practice and considered day-to-day.

Carey Price

The Montreal Canadiens‘ backbone is dealing with flu-like symptoms, and is not traveling with the team on their current road trip. He could travel to Ottawa on Friday if he is healthy, but there is immense doubt he will make the trip. He is also questionable for Saturday.

Price was riding the high from the World Cup of Hockey, and it would be devastating for him and the Canadiens if he missed extensive time. The Canadiens got off to a hot start last year before Price went down with an MCL injury.

Patrice Bergeron

Sep 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Patrice Bergeron (37) hoists the World Cup of Hockey championship trophy after game two of the World Cup of Hockey final against Team Europe at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada center Patrice Bergeron (37) hoists the World Cup of Hockey championship trophy after game two of the World Cup of Hockey final against Team Europe at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Another star of the World Cup, Bergeron is suffering from a lower-body injury and is set to miss the Boston Bruins‘ opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Claude Julien has stated that while Bergeron is missing the opening game indefinitely, there is a chance he returns on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs or Monday against the Winnipeg Jets.

After helping Canada secure the World Cup of Hockey, Bergeron is poised to have another strong season in the NHL.

Jack Eichel

So much excitement surrounded the sophomore’s upcoming season with a more competitive Sabres squad. They brought in some veteran help and will have plenty of young talent on display with Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen. Unfortunately, Jack has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and is set to miss at least a month.

The sad news for the Buffalo Sabres and Eichel is this sort of injury could stretch into more time if it does not heal correctly.

Jonathan Huberdeau

Perhaps the most severe, Jonathan Huberdeau suffered a laceration on the back of his leg and is set to miss a minimum of three to four months. The Florida Panthers looked ready to take the NHL by storm, but that first unit of Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr will have to wait until December or January. On the bright side, the Panthers have plenty of young talent and could give a chance to another top producer like Vincent Trocheck or Reilly Smith.

As it stands, Jonathan Marchessault is the biggest benefactor after practicing with the top unit earlier this week.

Next: Leafs Rookie Auston Matthews’ Historical 4-Goal NHL Debut

 Niklas Kronwall

The Detroit Red Wings are a very young team and could use all the veteran leadership they can get. Niklas Kronwall has been doing his best Nicklas Lidstrom impression, and has been relatively successful as the Red Wings’ 1A defenseman. He is currently suffering from a knee injury, and was placed on short-term injured reserve. His status is day-to-day, but he has been practicing with the team.

With nobody else to fill the role, the Red Wings will be hoping for Kronwall’s speedy recovery.

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