Panthers Lose Markstrom as NHL Teams Manage Key Injuries

Florida will begin a four-game road trip without starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom after the 36-year-old sustained an upper-body injury during practice on Monday. Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Tuesday that Markstrom is expected to miss 10 to 14 days, prompting the team to recall Cooper Black from the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers.

Markstrom has posted a 3-1-1 record, a 2.21 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage in six appearances this season, according to NHL statistics. His absence leaves Akira Schmid as Florida's expected starter, with Black providing backup support and potentially making his NHL debut during the road swing.

The Panthers acquired Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils on June 30. He also missed two games last week after leaving a game against Buffalo with an undisclosed issue, but reports indicate the latest injury is unrelated to that earlier problem.

Maurice confirmed the expected recovery period after Markstrom was struck by a puck during practice.

"He's probably out 10-to-14 days," Maurice said.

Black, 25, has recorded a 2-1-0 record, a .919 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average across three games with Charlotte this season. The 6-foot-8 goaltender also recorded a .903 save percentage and one shutout in 43 AHL games last season.

Maurice praised Black's physical attributes and previous exhibition performance as the young goalie prepares for a possible opportunity in the NHL.

"That's a big lad, and he moves like an athlete," Maurice said.

Florida's road trip opens against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, followed by a Thursday matchup in Pittsburgh, a Sunday game in Chicago and a Tuesday visit to Winnipeg. Markstrom's expected absence covers a substantial portion of that schedule.

Ottawa could receive a significant defensive boost against Florida, with Jake Sanderson expected to return Wednesday after missing eight consecutive games because of a lower-body injury sustained during the Senators' season opener on October 3.

Sanderson led Ottawa defensemen last season with 14 goals, 40 assists and 54 points while averaging 24:50 of ice time per game. However, defenseman Thomas Chabot is expected to miss another one to two weeks with an upper-body injury, coach Travis Green said.

Sanderson expressed enthusiasm about returning after his extended absence.

"I'm fired up," Sanderson said.

He also described the recovery period as difficult while acknowledging that Ottawa's strong performances during his absence had helped ease the frustration.

"Long few weeks for me, frustrating for sure. But you know, I think seeing the guys play as good as they have kind of you know makes a little bit better. So, frustrating, like I said, but man, I'm just so excited to play."

Elsewhere, Buffalo captain Rasmus Dahlin could return Wednesday against Philadelphia after missing three games with an upper-body injury. Forward Jason Zucker is also expected to make his season debut, while Matt Roy returned for Washington after sitting out six games with a lower-body injury.

Washington coach Spencer Carbery highlighted Roy's importance to the team's defensive structure and leadership.

"He's a big part of our team," Carbery said.

Roy regularly handles multiple responsibilities and significant ice time for the Capitals, making his return an important addition to the lineup.

"Plays in a lot of different situations. Logs a lot of minutes. Good leader for our team, so it'll be good to get him back."

Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell will miss at least one week after blocking a shot during Saturday's 4-0 victory over Chicago. Lindell averages 20:49 of ice time per game and leads Dallas with 18 blocked shots, according to NHL statistics.

Stars coach Glen Gulutzan outlined the initial recovery timeline while leaving open the possibility of daily reassessments afterward.

"Esa is going to be out here for a bit. I would say right now probably for a week for sure and then we'll go day to day after that," Gulutzan said.

Other notable developments include Calgary captain Mikael Backlund being listed as day to day with an upper-body injury and San Jose forward Alexander Wennberg missing Tuesday's game against Montreal with a similar designation. Minnesota forward Nico Sturm is expected to return against Edmonton after missing three games because a puck struck his helmet.

The New York Islanders face a longer recovery timeline for forwards Calum Ritchie and Matias Maccelli, who are expected to miss four to six weeks and two to four weeks, respectively, after sustaining lower-body injuries against Toronto. Colorado forward Logan O'Connor is expected to make his season debut Friday, while Nicolas Roy and Zachary L'Heureux remain week to week.