New York Rangers center Noah Laba (upper body) is considered week-to-week. The rookie sustained an upper-body injury during Wednesday's matchup against the Washington Capitals and won't be available for the first few games of 2026. Laba has notched 12 points (five goals, seven assists) across his first 42 career games in 2025-25. The timing of his injury is very unfortunate, as the 22-year-old was hurt just before the 2026 Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers. New York has also lost Conor Sheary (lower body) from its third line ahead of the game. Brett Berard, Anton Blidh, and Justin Dowling are the candidates to fill the gaps in the lineup.

New York Rangers left wing Conor Sheary (lower body) was placed on long-term Injured Reserve. He must now sit out at least 10 games, including Friday's Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers. Sheary sustained a lower-body injury in Wednesday's loss to the Washington Capitals. Through 37 appearances, Sheary has contributed one goal and eight assists this season. He was part of the third line on Wednesday, along with Noah Laba (upper body), who was also injured. To bolster the frontline depth, the Rangers called up Brett Berard, Anton Blidh, and Justin Dowling from the AHL, while reassigning Brennan Othmann to the minors.

Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Miles Wood (lower body) was placed on Injured Reserve on Thursday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. Wood was injured during Wednesday's matchup against the New Jersey Devils. According to Portzline, the veteran forward may have suffered an ankle injury. Wood, who has recorded 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in 32 games this season, started Wednesday's contest on the second line. Recently acquired Danton Heinen was recalled from the minors to fill Wood's spot on the roster. Heinen is a former 40-point scorer but hasn't provided fantasy value in 2025-26, registering two points (one goal, one assist) in 13 NHL outings.

Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (undisclosed) will be out of the lineup for at least one week, head coach Adam Foote said on Thursday. The Canucks boss told reporters the injury to Garland was the result of a slew foot against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday. Garland has been among Vancouver's most productive players in 2025-26, recording seven goals and 22 points. On Thursday, Foote also announced that Marco Rossi (lower body) will miss at least one week, leaving the Canucks without two-thirds of their second line for the next three games. Aatu Raty and Nils Hoglander are expected to come into the lineup on Friday versus the Seattle Kraken. Meanwhile, Kiefer Sherwood could be Garland's replacement on the second line.