NHL Injury Report for February 24: Olympic Injury Fallout

Welcome back to the Fantrax NHL Injury Report for February 24, 2026. In today’s report, we discuss injuries to Mikko Rantanen, Sidney Crosby, and the potential return of a couple of New York Rangers. Read all about this and more in today’s NHL Injury Report from Fantrax.

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NHL Injury Report

Mikko Rantanen, Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars place Mikko Rantanen on IR after injury in Olympic tournamenthttps://t.co/lzwZocmVVz

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) February 24, 2026

Rantanen was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to January 20. This means he’ll miss at least a week and won’t be available for any of the Stars’ games this weekend. He’ll miss at least three games.

This will move Matt Duchene onto the Stars’ first power play unit in his absence. It’ll also give Justin Hryckowian a look in the Stars’ top six. Take a look at Duchene if he’s available. He could provide strong coverage during Rantanen’s absence. It’s fun to see Hryckowian get a top-six look, but he’s not worth a claim.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Another Olympic casualty. Considered a game-time decision, Crosby ultimately did not end up playing for Canada in the gold medal game. The Penguins need Crosby for more than one game, which means they will be more careful in determining his ability to play later this week.

It’s too soon for an update on Crosby’s status, but based on their decision to recall Avery Hayes post-Olympics, I’m expecting Sid to miss a couple of games.

🚨 Avery is here 🚨 pic.twitter.com/RAILgnXfVI

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 23, 2026

After scoring twice in his NHL debut, Hayes was sent to the AHL during the break and potted two hat tricks.

Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets

#NHLJets HC Scott Arniel says D Josh Morrissey (upper body) won’t play Wed vs #Canucks but could meet the team on the three-game road trip after being looked at by team doctors. Eric Comrie will get the start. Kyle Connor status for Wed is still up in the air.

— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) February 23, 2026

Some reports state Morrissey will miss extended periods of time. However, it appears Morrissey could return during the Jets’ three-game road trip.

I expect him to miss Wednesday’s game; however, the teaser is that he could return for Friday or Sunday’s game. Personally, I’m approaching this news with caution, considering other reports suggest he could miss more time.

Keep an eye on the Jets’ practices. You’ll want to see him suit up in a regular jersey first. After all, he wasn’t close to playing for Canada on Sunday.

Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, New York Rangers

Away from Olympic spotlight, Igor and Fox ready themselves for long-awaited returns to #NYR lineup

Back out there practicing in full again today

Sight for sore 👀https://t.co/dRuedyJtwl

— Forever Blueshirts (@4EverBlueshirts) February 18, 2026

Some teams are receiving good news post-Olympics. It appears Shesterkin and Fox are closing in on returns for the Rangers.

With the Rangers in sell mode, Shesterkin’s numbers will take a hit, primarily in wins. That said, goalies often seem to play better when they face more shots. He could still see strong goals against average and save percentage numbers.

A return of Fox post-break is pure bliss, especially if he’s fully healthy. He’s a top 10 offensive defenceman, period. Adding him back to fantasy rosters will be a big boost. I know I desperately need his return.

Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning

Victor Hedman sits out Sweden’s Olympic quarterfinal loss with injury https://t.co/jtyp9XQF7C

— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) February 19, 2026

Hedman was a late scratch in Sweden’s quarter-final loss to the USA. He pulled a groin during warm-ups and was unable to play.

There’s been no notable update from Tampa Bay on how much time he could miss. It’s been a forgettable year for Hedman with injury after injury.

With the season Darren Raddysh is having in his stead, and the Lightning sitting on top of the Atlantic Division standings, Tampa might very well play it safe and let him properly heal. A healthy Hedman come playoff time is more important to them than an 80% Hedman from here on in.

Kevin Fiala, Los Angeles Kings

Olympics: Switzerland's Kevin Fiala suffers apparent leg injury vs. Canada https://t.co/oGDNihA6zE pic.twitter.com/3mqfcBRuze

— National Post (@nationalpost) February 16, 2026

By far, the worst injury of the Olympics, Fiala will miss the rest of the regular season. It was severe enough that Fiala had surgery in Italy, rather than returning to Los Angeles.

After acquiring Artemi Panarin from the Rangers, the Kings appeared to have made their big acquisition. With this loss, don’t be surprised if they make another big splash.