Here’s your fantasy hockey injury report: Week 4. This week is headlined by injuries to goalies Jacob Markstrom, Linus Ullmark, and Logan Thompson. We’ll also provide an update on Ben Kindel and more.
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Fantasy Hockey Injury Report for Week 5
Jacob Markstrom (G, Florida Panthers)
Markstrom getting in some work after today’s practice. Good sign for his 10-14 day recovery timeline.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) October 24, 2026
Timetable for return: 10-14 days
Who benefits from this injury: Akira Schmid (G)
The Panthers already miss Markstrom. Schmid is the go-to until Markstrom returns. There was little hope of the Panthers winning in Ottawa last Wednesday; the Senators wanted that win badly. You hope Schmid can provide average goaltending until Markstrom returns. The Panthers have been wildly inconsistent to start the year. For either goalie to perform well, they’ll need better defence in front of them.
Logan Thompson (G, Washington Capitals)
Capitals injury updates: Pierre-Luc Dubois and Justin Sourdif (both illness) will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Buffalo Sabres. Logan Thompson (lower-body) briefly attended morning skate, but will not play tonight. Charlie Lindgren starts, with Mitch Gibson backing up.
— RMNB (@rmnb) October 24, 2026
Timetable for return: 1-2 Weeks
Who benefits from this injury: Charlie Lindgren (G)
Thompson’s brief appearance on the ice is an encouraging development. His IR stint was made retroactive to last Tuesday, meaning he’s eligible to return before the Capitals’ next game on Wednesday without missing additional time. Even so, I expect Washington to be cautious and hold him out for at least the first two games of the week, which come in a back-to-back set against the Flyers and Predators.
Linus Ullmark (G, Ottawa Senators)
Linus Ullmark: Injury: Ullmark (lower-body) is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. https://t.co/C9TgP24751
— Daily Faceoff – Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) October 22, 2026
Timetable for return: 1-2 weeks
Who Benefits from this injury: Jonas Johansson (G)
Considering Ullmark had to be helped off the ice, it could have been a lot worse. That said, I am hesitant to believe he’ll be back on the shorter end of the 1-2 week timetable provided. What makes the injury worse is that Ullmark was looking ‘all-world’ and an early-season Vezina front-runner. The Senators cannot afford to rush Ullmark back and suffer a bigger injury.
Johansson is the biggest winner in the short term. He’s been called up from Birmingham to give the Senators a second goalie. It wasn’t pretty, but he picked up the ‘W’ in a 7-4 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday. In four starts, Samuel Ersson is still seeking his first win of the year.
Don’t be surprised if Johansson gets the net over Ersson in Ullmark’s absence.
Ben Kindel (C, Pittsburgh Penguins)
Kyle Dubas says Ben Kindel collapsed on the team plane about 10 minutes into the flight home from Salt Lake City. He was diagnosed with a vasovagal episode. Kindel is back in Pittsburgh and at the facility for testing.
— Shelby Cassesse (@ShelbyCassesse) October 22, 2026
Timetable for Return: 2+ Weeks
Talk about a scary moment for Kindel and the Penguins. Surprisingly, Kindel is expected to be back on the ice as early as next week. The Penguins will not take any chances with Kindel. They will ensure he is completely recovered and ready to return to games.
All in all, this is great news for Kindel and the Penguins.
Igor Chernyshov (LW/RW, San Jose Sharks)
🏒 INJURY REPORT ➡️ Igor Chernyshov (LW) upper body injury, week-to-week. With Chernyshov set to miss time, Collin Graf is now getting a boost on the top line with Celebrini and Smith. 📰 More: https://t.co/4bWpxFJVkt #NHL #SjSharks #FantasyHockey https://t.co/7jnAm2arTI
— Sports Forecaster (@SpoFo) October 24, 2026
Timetable for return: Week to week
Who benefits from this injury: Collin Graf (LW/RW)
As unfortunate as this injury is, Chernyshov hasn’t exactly been lighting the lamp as expected this season. After a strong showing last year, expectations were high on him coming into this season. Needless to say, things haven’t gone as hoped.
In his first full season in the NHL, Graf put up 46 points, including 21 goals. Graf has also struggled this year, with just three points in his first 12 games. Chernyshov’s injury is a huge opportunity for him. He gets a promotion to the Sharks’ top line with Macklin Celebrini (C) and Will Smith (RW).
Chernyshov’s struggles have opened the door for Graf to claim a permanent spot on the top line.
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