The 10 Biggest Injury Risks in the 2016-17 NHL Season
NHL teams have done most of the heavy work of summer and have addressed the biggest roster needs. A depth chart in August can look fabulous, as management teams and fans can visualize a healthy roster and 82 games for all 23 players.
The reality of the situation is that in many cases, teams are one injury away from outright panic. The Montreal Canadiens, as an example, look much improved on paper. But worries over the health of Carey Price could derail a solid playoff roster.
Here are the 10 biggest injury risks for NHL teams—and the possible solutions should they occur.
10. Marcus Kruger, C, Chicago Blackhawks
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How Important Is He? Marcus Kruger of the Chicago Blackhawks is a shutdown, defensive center. His value comes in taking defensive zone faceoffs, having a positive result and getting the puck going in a positive direction. According to Hockey-Reference.com, Kruger took 81 percent of his faceoffs in the defensive zone.
How Often Is He Injured? He has a good track record in terms of health, but last year's wrist injury—covered by NHL.com—had an impact on Chicago's deployment of their top offensive players.
What's the Backup Plan? Chicago runs Jonathan Toews and Artem Anisimov heavily at center, so their roles in defensive faceoffs would increase. Dennis Rasmussen could also help, but this specific skill is Kruger's wheelhouse. An ideal backup plan does not exist.
9. Tomas Hertl, LW, San Jose Sharks
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How Important Is He? Tomas Hertl of the San Jose Sharks is a productive offensive winger and one of the younger skill forwards on the team.
How Often Is He Injured? Hertl has had some injury issues in the past, but the last two regular seasons have been injury free—for the most part. He was injured during last season's playoffs, but recent reports have him not requiring surgery, per Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News.
What's the Backup Plan? The Sharks are a wonderful offensive team, with veterans like Patrick Marleau and emerging talents like Joonas Donskoi. Hertl is a big part of the future, but San Jose could overcome his loss for a short time. Training camp will be key in his evaluation.
8. Jack Johnson, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
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How Important Is He? Jack Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets plays a major role on the team's blue line. He has averaged 24 or more minutes a night since arriving from the Los Angeles Kings.
How Often Is He Injured? Previous to last year, Johnson had been a consistent player in terms of health, playing most of each season with the Blue Jackets.
What's the Backup Plan? Ryan Murray can step in on the left side and replace Johnson's minutes, but the ideal setup has Johnson forming a veteran pairing with David Savard. The defense should be a strength for this roster, but inexperience behind this pairing makes continued health for Johnson vital.
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7. Mike Cammalleri, LW, New Jersey Devils
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How Important Is He? Mike Cammalleri of the New Jersey Devils is a consistent offensive winger with a strong track record of success.
How Often Is He Injured? In his last three full seasons, Cammalleri has played in 63, 68 and 42 games. At age 34, he is at a point in his career where a full season may not be something the Devils can count on.
What's the Backup Plan? New Jersey's acquisition of Taylor Hall is a major boost to the overall offense and gives the team the possibility of deploying two quality lines. Cammalleri's health is important to the success of the 2016-17 Devils, who have no established options to replace Hall or Cammalleri.
6. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
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How Important Is He? Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers is a generational player who impacted the NHL in a big way as a rookie.
How Often Is He Injured? He played only 45 games in his first NHL season, and he spent some time on the injured list in his final junior year. Despite his exceptional ability, another injury in 2016-17 would be devastating to player and team—the Oilers desperately need to climb out of the NHL's basement.
What's the Backup Plan? There is no reasonable backup plan to replace McDavid, the most valuable young asset in the game. After he posted over one point-per-game as a rookie, his sophomore production should be as good or better. Keeping him healthy is the most important job for the Oilers.
5. Jeff Petry, D, Montreal Canadiens
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How Important Is He? Jeff Petry of the Montreal Canadiens is an effective second-pairing defender. He can play in any situation and step up the depth chart if required.
How Often Is He Injured? He has been relatively healthy during his career. When Petry has been faced with nagging injuries, he has shown an ability to play through them. His game log from The Hockey News a year ago suggests he was dealing with the impact of a sports hernia injury before shutting it down.
What's the Backup Plan? Shea Weber's arrival and P.K. Subban's exit will not reduce the importance of Petry's role on the Canadiens. Montreal's current depth chart offers no obvious replacement for Petry should he go down with another injury.
4. Oscar Klefbom, D, Edmonton Oilers
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How Important Is He? Oscar Klefbom of the Edmonton Oilers is an emerging defenseman. His complete range of skills make him unique on a team in need of help at the position.
How Often Is He Injured? There have been some injuries in his past, including concussion worries. Last season was a complete train wreck, as his game log via The Hockey News shows.
What's the Backup Plan? The Oilers have lots of left-handed defensemen, but they have none who can deliver a similar level of play. Veteran Andrej Sekera and sophomore Brandon Davidson are both capable of eating minutes, but ideally Klefbom will form a top-pairing tandem with new acquisition Adam Larsson in 2016-17.
3. Claude Giroux, C, Philadelphia Flyers
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How Important Is He? Claude Giroux is a top quality two-way center for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is an offensive leader and a workhorse for the team.
How Often Is He Injured? Giroux is a very durable player, but injury caught up to him at the end of last season. CSNPhilly.com reported on right hip and bilateral lower abdominal procedures for both Giroux and young defender Shayne Gostisbehere.
What's the Backup Plan? The Flyers have some options—Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier—but none with the dynamic skill set Giroux brings to the game. Fans should get a good look at Giroux during the preparation for the World Cup of Hockey in late summer, and his health will be a big factor in Philadelphia's hopes for the 2016-17 season.
2. Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning
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How Important Is He? Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning is one of the most valuable players in the game. His new contract offers proof of his value.
How Often Is He Injured? He missed half of the 2013-14 season and most of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. Stamkos' blood clot issues caused his playoff absence in the spring, per TSN.
What's the Backup Plan? The Lightning can overcome a short term injury to Stamkos—frankly, they are probably better prepared than any team in the league. Replacing his offense in the playoffs was impossible last spring, and keeping him healthy this year—all year—will be the goal in Tampa Bay.
1. Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens
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How Important Is He? Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens is an impact player when healthy. His .934 save percentage last season represents true brilliance, and you could argue he is the most valuable player in the league. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy, which is annually awarded to the league M.V.P., in 2014-15. He will likely be a candidate again this year.
How Often Is He Injured? Price has been relatively healthy during his NHL career, but two separate injuries impacted him in 2015-16. A Montreal Gazette article by Stu Cowan from April details two distinct injuries—one on October 29 and an MCL sprain on November 25. That fact is disturbing, as the position Price plays is especially tough on athletes.
What's the Backup Plan? Montreal upgraded at the backup position, signing Al Montoya as a free agent this summer. Mike Condon played a lot when Price was injured a year ago and remains available in case of injury.
Note: All advanced stats via Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com.
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