NHL Fantasy Hockey Opening Week Injury Watch
By FantasyLineups | October 2, 2026
Opening-week injuries are already changing fantasy hockey decisions. Detroit is without Dylan Larkin for its first two games, Edmonton expects to lose Zach Hyman for approximately two weeks, and Columbus is dealing with several absences on defense. Those developments create opportunities for other players, especially when they come with better linemates or additional power-play time.
Andrew Copp Gets an Opportunity in Detroit
Larkin has been ruled out for Detroit’s first two games with an upper-body injury. The Red Wings open against the Rangers on Friday and face Winnipeg on Sunday. Andrew Copp has practiced at first-line center and could receive more power-play work during Larkin’s absence.
Our fantasy take: Copp is worth considering as a short-term pickup in deeper leagues. Confirm Detroit’s game-day combinations, because his appeal depends on that elevated role continuing. Keep Larkin on your bench or an eligible injury slot.
Edmonton Must Adjust Without Zach Hyman
Hyman is expected to miss approximately two weeks with an upper-body injury. Edmonton’s latest news identified Max Jones and Colton Dach as candidates for larger roles as the team adjusts its forward combinations.
Our fantasy take: Watch who receives top-six minutes and power-play opportunities. A temporary promotion can create streaming value, but Jones and Dach still need enough involvement to justify a lineup spot. Hyman remains a hold where roster space allows.
Denton Mateychuk Has a Path to More Minutes
Columbus is dealing with injuries to Ivan Provorov, Damon Severson and Dante Fabbro. The latest reports placed Provorov on injured reserve and described all three as week-to-week. Denton Mateychuk was positioned to skate alongside Zach Werenski, with Carson Soucy and Emil Andrae also moving into larger roles.
Our fantasy take: Mateychuk is a player to monitor in deeper formats. Additional minutes improve his opportunity, though managers should check power-play deployment before expecting a major scoring increase. Soucy and Andrae may offer deeper-league value depending on their minutes and your league’s scoring.
Jake Sanderson’s Availability Remains Uncertain
Sanderson missed Wednesday’s practice with an undisclosed injury and skated separately. Ottawa’s latest update leaves his status uncertain for Saturday’s opener against Toronto. Andre Burakovsky has already been ruled out of that game.
Our fantasy take: Have a replacement ready for Sanderson. Thomas Chabot could receive additional responsibility if Sanderson sits, while Carter Yakemchuk’s involvement would be worth watching. Check Ottawa’s next update before making the final call.
Rangers Goaltending Requires a Fresh Check
Joonas Korpisalo has been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and is considered week-to-week. The Rangers recalled Dylan Garand, and Thursday’s news identified him as a possible starter for Friday’s game against Detroit.
Our fantasy take: Treat Garand as a possibility until the starter is confirmed. A call-up and a back-to-back schedule do not establish who will start. Check the latest starting-goalie update before using a roster move.
Barzal, Duchene and Ovechkin Remain Players to Watch
Mathew Barzal could resume skating this weekend as he recovers from a knee issue. Returning to the ice would be an encouraging step, but it would not automatically mean he is ready for game action.
Matt Duchene was described as doubtful for Dallas’ Friday opener with a lower-body injury. Managers should have another option available until his status becomes clearer.
Alex Ovechkin said he expects to play in Washington’s opener after missing preseason action. His availability is encouraging, although his early performances will provide a better read on how quickly he is getting up to speed.
Our fantasy take: Hold established players through manageable absences when possible, and use confirmed roles to choose temporary replacements. Copp’s deployment, Mateychuk’s minutes and Ottawa’s injury updates deserve particular attention this weekend.
Check Roles Before Setting Your Lineup
Early-season opportunities can change quickly. Focus on actual ice time, power-play assignments and confirmed goalie starts when deciding which players to add or start.
FantasyLineups’ NHL news coverage includes updates from RotoBaller. Follow the latest news, line combinations and starting-goalie updates to stay ahead of changes throughout opening week.
