NHL Offseason Injury Report: Key Players to Monitor Before Training Camp
Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Robinson battles Seattle Kraken defenseman Josh Mahura during an NHL game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo credit: Jenn G.)
Written By Josie Dinonsie
As the NHL enters its annual lull between the frenzy of free agency and the opening of training camp, several teams are closely monitoring the recovery of key players. While the offseason provides valuable time for rehabilitation, not every player is expected to be fully healthy by the start of the 2026–27 campaign. These injuries have the potential to impact opening-night lineups, slow offseason development, and influence each team's outlook heading into the fall.
Connor Bedard — Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard's left shoulder injury has been one of the league's most closely followed storylines this offseason. The 20-year-old center is expected to return in approximately four months. We’ve covered this injury in greater depth here.
Seth Jarvis — Carolina Hurricanes
Fresh off helping the Hurricanes capture the Stanley Cup, Seth Jarvis played through significant shoulder injuries during the postseason before ultimately undergoing surgery. The procedure addressed both a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff in a shoulder that had been bothering him since the 2023–24 season. Surgery became the best long-term option to preserve the health and stability of the joint.
His recovery is expected to take approximately four to six months. Because the surgery was performed in late June, Jarvis is likely to remain sidelined into the early portion of the regular season. As one of Carolina's leading goal scorers, his absence leaves a significant void in the lineup and creates an opportunity for another player to take on a larger role.
Eric Robinson — Carolina Hurricanes
Another member of Carolina's Stanley Cup-winning roster, Eric Robinson also entered the offseason requiring surgery. The veteran winger underwent knee surgery shortly after the conclusion of the 2025–26 playoffs. Fortunately for the Hurricanes, his expected recovery timeline is only six to eight weeks, making him a strong candidate to be ready for training camp.
Tyler Seguin — Dallas Stars
Tyler Seguin's 2025–26 season came to an abrupt end less than two months after it began. The Stars center suffered a torn ACL on Dec. 2, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs. After undergoing surgery in mid-December, Seguin now faces the standard six- to 12-month rehabilitation timeline. A recovery on the shorter end of that range would allow him to report to training camp in time for the start of the 2026–27 season.
Jonathan Huberdeau — Calgary Flames
Jonathan Huberdeau spent the past year battling a lingering hip injury before electing to undergo surgery earlier this spring in hopes of resolving the issue. After being placed on injured reserve in late February and undergoing a significant procedure, his timetable for returning remained uncertain.
Recent reports, however, indicate that Huberdeau is progressing ahead of schedule, increasing optimism that he will be ready when training camp opens. After playing through at least two seasons of debilitating symptoms, a healthy Huberdeau would provide a major boost for a Flames team looking to take a step forward this season.
