Injury Updates: Sharks, Tkachuk, Raymond, Koepke
The San Jose Sharks' Ryan Warsofsky revealed that forward Will Smith is battling a persistent lower-body injury, which he's managed since before Saturday's game. Despite this, Smith is expected to play tomorrow. Additionally, the Sharks' 2025 second-overall pick, Michael Misa, will make his NHL debut, slotting into the third-line center position. Warsofsky strategically paired Misa with experienced NHL centers, Ty Dellandrea and Philipp Kurashev, to ease his transition.
Elsewhere, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk was forced out of the team's loss to the Nashville Predators due to an undisclosed injury. He only skated for 13:53 and is currently under evaluation. Tkachuk's absence is a significant blow to the Senators, as he's among the team's most important wingers, with three assists in three games this season.
In Detroit, Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond was also forced out of today's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to an upper-body injury. Head coach Todd McLellan didn't provide an update post-game. Raymond, Detroit's leading scorer in the last two seasons, is a key player and the team's most lethal offensive threat. Fans are hopeful his absence is precautionary.
Finally, the Winnipeg Jets' forward Cole Koepke didn't return to today's victory over the New York Islanders due to a lower-body injury. Koepke, playing on the fourth line, registered an assist on Morgan Barron's goal. The Jets have Parker Ford, a 25-year-old from Providence College, ready to step in if Koepke is sidelined.
