This afternoon’s action was especially tough for the Rangers, as the team shared that Noah Laba (upper body) and Conor Sheary (lower body) did not return, as they lost to Washington. It was not immediately specified, but Laba’s injury is likely related to the heavy hit he sustained from Tom Wilson, while Sheary’s ailment was not as glaringly noticeable.
Laba, a rookie, has not yet missed a game this season, posting 12 points in 42 games mostly in a third line role. Sheary, meanwhile, has been scratched this season, with just one goal in 37 games, production far from his past as a dependable secondary scorer. Although their forward depth has taken a hit, thankfully the Blueshirts welcomed back top defenseman Adam Fox today, who made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist.
Now set to travel to Miami and take on the Panthers under the eyes of the hockey world in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, a roster move may be in order if neither are able to play. Brennan Othmann, a scratch today, could slot into the marquee game on January 2.
Elsewhere across the league:
- This morning Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews returned to practice, as shared by Dave McCarthy of NHL.com. The superstar was listed as day-to-day yesterday with a lower-body injury, which happened from a blocked shot last Sunday. In his absence, the Leafs picked up a shutout win over New Jersey, but now Matthews could be in line to return by tomorrow, as the team hosts Winnipeg. Toronto dodged a bullet with Matthews’ status, and will seek a rapid turnaround in the New Year on the back of the 28-year-old sniper once healthy.
- Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has begun light skating, as reported in a Hockey News article by David Dwork. After suffering a devastating ACL and MCL injury in the first practice of training camp, Barkov still has a long way to go, but today’s update is encouraging news entering 2026. The injury riddled Panthers have stayed afloat, and with Matthew Tkachuk nearing a return, Florida will look to secure a playoff spot and set the table for Barkov to possibly join the group by March. If healthy come postseason, the two-time reining Selke winner would give Florida a real shot at the first Stanley Cup three-peat since the Islanders 40 years ago.
3 months ago I was ROASTED for saying Barkov wasn’t out for the season.. now he might be back 2 months before the playoffs? The Panthers will be RESTED going into May and June… 3Peat time boys…
Don’t worry about being roasted for your opinions, Those types usually don’t have any opinions.
@jeremyn you actually said
“jeremyn
September 26, 2025
I highly doubt barkov is out for the season…. 6-8 weeks probably.. maybe 3 montths.. there is no one saying he tore his ACL or Achilles here”
Its now been 13 weeks. Which is the 3 months and he has just started “light skating” meaning he is likely still 6-8 weeks away, minimum.
And wilf was one of the first to negatively respond with
“DogHockeyIsAKaren
September 26, 2025
You should contact the Panthers medical team about this, Let them know he’ll be back around the new year.”
The link to the convo is linked in this post by Mr Keith.
There were otherwise 2 posters who questioned your opinion, maybe strongly, but didnt roast, nor “ROAST” you for it.
And i think with what the current timeline is now, they are fair to question what you posted.
You may be right in not missing the season, but he will miss majority of it. He is likely to miss another 6 or so weeks. If he makes it back immediately after the Olympic break, its a great success, but he likely isn’t at his normal level by then.
You were the first one to “roast” him for his opinion on that comment section. Care to reconsider this post?
Well done.
why don’t you post the rest of that thread troll lol…
What I indeed said is hardly roasting anyone. There’s a huge difference between disagreeing with someone, And roasting someone, I simply disagreed with you, And made a wise arse comment, Roasting, Is much higher level.
@Jeremy, how am I troll for reposting what you said then compared to now? And that entire thread was 67 or so posts. I dont think reposting it all is a good use of space on this thread.
@Wilf you didnt disagree with me. I didnt post in that thread.
you posted one comment and ignored the 5-10 people insulting me for saying things like “I don’t pre judge injuries” and “how dare I not assume the worst possible outcome” … I was called slurs and called childish names for saying these things lol
strange you thought I was referring to you even though I named literally no one… guilty feeling there fella? lol
Absolutely love Barkov’s game and hope he can return for the fourth cup run
Barkov is a physical speciman, so it wouldn’t suprise me if he healed earlier than expected.
10-15 years ago an ACL was 12-16 months… today its 6-7…. medical progression is awesome
Toronto fans have turned on Matthews and debating his trade value. It is no wonder when the team has a better winning record when he is injured!
Nice “Welcome to the nhl” moment for Laba