Keep updated on all the injury news and roster updates from around the NHL with daily Ice Chips.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Defenceman Matt Benning could be drawing into the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup for Saturday’s matchup against the New York Islanders, according to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun.
D Matt Benning could come into the Leaf lineup tonight, his first NHL game in two seasons - and 40 years after his uncle Jim was traded by Toronto. Of his long wait with the Marlies, Benning told the Sun this week “when the chance comes I’ll be appreciative.”
— Lance Hornby 🇺🇦🇨🇦 (@sunhornby) January 3, 2026
Benning is yet to play this season, having last played on Oct. 29, 2024 as a member of the San Jose Sharks.
Two days after that game, the Edmonton, Alta. native was traded to Toronto as apart of the return for defenceman Timothy Liljegren.
In his three seasons with the Sharks (2022-2024), the 31-year-old registered 26 points in 98 games.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets have activated star defenceman Zach Werenski off injured reserve.
Additionally, defenceman Dysin Mayo’s emergency recall has been converted to a regular recall.
ZACH'S OFFICIALLY BACK! 💥
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 3, 2026
We've activated Zach Werenski off Injured Reserve. Additionally, D Dysin Mayo's emergency recall has been converted to a regular recall.
CBJ x @OHHeartofitAll pic.twitter.com/q3HcvmUrXm
Werenski has missed the last four games due to a lower-body injury suffered on Dec. 20 against the Anaheim Ducks.
The 28-year-old ranks second among NHL defencemen in goals (14) and points (40) in 35 games this season. The 6-foot-2, 214-pound Grosse Pointe, Mich. native also ranks second among all NHL players in time on ice, averaging 26:48 per game.
Werenski was among the players selected to represent Team USA on the men’s ice hockey roster for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Washington Capitals
Per Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post, forward Pierre-Luc Dubois has resumed skating, according to head coach Spencer Carbery.
Pierre-Luc Dubois has resumed skating, Spencer Carbery said. Starting the progression back from the surgery he had in early November. His recovery timeline at the time was 3-4 months
— Bailey Johnson (@BaileyAJohnson_) January 3, 2026
Dubois underwent abdominal surgery on Nov. 9, with the recovery timeline initially set at 3-4 months. The 27-year-old has only competed in six games this season, registering nine shots and zero points.
He is expected to return sometime after the Olympic break in February.
Buffalo Sabres
Sabres defenceman Michael Kesselring will miss Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets due to a lower-body injury, coach Lindy Ruff announced.
Michael Kesselring will miss today's game in Columbus due to a lower-body injury, per coach Lindy Ruff.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 3, 2026
Details → https://t.co/c56mMxxyDs pic.twitter.com/PvGRIac20J
In 16 games with Buffalo this season, the 25-year-old has zero points while averaging 15:14 time on ice.
Jacob Bryson will likely draw into the lineup in his absence per the team.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have assigned forward Dominic Toninato to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League, the team announced Saturday.
we have assigned Dominic Toninato to @goicehogs.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 3, 2026
📰 ➡︎ https://t.co/hR9LIHs6Cg pic.twitter.com/fy24pVELfX
The 31-year-old, has logged one assist in five games with the Blackhawks this season, while also recording five goals and 17 points in 25 games with the IceHogs.
