The Butcher's Bill
As requested, here's a look at all of the players currently on the injured list, and when they're expected to return.
Given how many players are parked on the IR, it's not surprising that people are losing track of just how many bodies we're missing, and when (if at all) they may return. So, you asked, and we'll answer with the current listing, and try to keep it updated with their status.
Forwards:
Corey Tropp - Illness - Tropp is expected to be back during the home and home with Carolina.
Artem Anisimov - Concussion - Could return later this week if he passes IMPACT tests and is given clearance by medical staff. That said, given the nature of the injury it's hard to set a real timeline beyond the mandatory 1 week wait for a retest, and I wouldn't be surprised if the team is quite cautious here. Update: Anisimov is now on IR retroactive to the 28th of October. This likely means he will miss more time.
Brandon Dubinsky - Groin (surgically repaired) - Original prognosis from his injury in training camp was 4-8 weeks. According to team broadcasters he's begun skating on his own and traveled with the team to New Jersey. My guess is it will take another week, if not two, before he's in game shape, since he is not taking drills with the team yet.
Mark Letestu - Groin (no surgery) - Expected to miss between two to four weeks, could possibly return for the game in Washington on November 11th, but could easily be out until the early December homestand.
Nathan Horton - Back - Indefinite. All reports to this point indicate he will miss at least this season, and could be at the end of his career.
Defensemen:
James Wisniewski - Broken Finger - Expected to miss 1-2 weeks, could return as early as the home and home series vs. Carolina, at worst likely to play on the road trip to DC and Philly. Update: Wisniewski expects to play Friday against the Hurricanes.
Cody Goloubef - Lower Body - Not officially on the injured list yet, but left last night's game clearly unable to put weight on his leg. Good chance that he'll miss several weeks depending on the nature of the injury. Update: Goloubef has a knee injury and is on the IR. He is expected to miss at least six weeks.
Ryan Murray - Lower Body - Murray missed yesterday's game due to "issues" with the same knee that kept him off the ice all summer. Oh, boy... Update: Murray is considered "day to day".
Goaltenders:
Sergei Bobrovsky - Broken Finger - Much like Wiz, was expected to miss a week or two. Could play this week, might not be available until next. Waiting on further news from the team.
Now, the good news is that you'll notice half of the names you see above COULD be back on the ice in the next week or two. With any luck, we should start to see things turn around from there.