Patrick Kane, Chicago (broken clavicle)
Originally thought to be out for 12 weeks, Kane cut his recovery time nearly in half and will suit up for Game 1 of Chicago’s series against Nashville. Kane hasn’t played since Feb. 24 but was lighting it up -- as per usual -- prior to getting hurt, with 64 points in 61 games.
Mark Giordano, Calgary (torn biceps)
There was some optimism earlier in the week when the Flames captain resumed skating and told reporters “I feel like hopefully the rehab is going better than expected.” That said, the injury and subsequent surgery came with a 4-5 month recovery period, so any possible Giordano comeback would come in much later playoff rounds.
Max Pacioretty, Montreal (upper-body)
Pacioretty, Montreal’s leading goalscorer with 37, has been out since getting knocked into the boards versus Florida in the third-final game of the season. He’s been ruled out of Game 1 against Ottawa and Habs head coach Michel Therrien is playing it coy about a potential return date.
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh (concussion)
Letang is unlikely to return this season following a hit from Arizona captain Shane Doan in late March.
Christian Ehrhoff, Pittsburgh (concussion)
Though he’s been cleared for contact, the Pens d-man won’t be available for Game 1. Neither will fellow blueliner Derrick Pouliot.
Travis Hamonic, New York Islanders (undisclosed)
Details on the d-man’s health are far and few between. Will the Isles say what his injury is? No. Have they given a timetable for return? No. All we really know is that Hamonic hasn’t been on the ice at all since taking a hipcheck from Pittsburgh’s Rob Scuderi last Friday, and his status is uncertain.
Kevin Klein, New York Rangers (broken arm)
Out since mid-March, the Rangers blueliner was originally expected to be ready for the playoffs -- but now it sounds like his Game 1 status is in question. Klein also didn’t practice on Wednesday, casting further doubt on his ability to suit up for the opener against Pittsburgh.
Jason Garrison, Tampa Bay (upper-body)
When the Bolts d-man was hurt in late March, the club put a 3-4 week timetable on his return. As such, Garrison likely won’t be available for the early parts of the Detroit series; that said, the Lightning did get some good news as fellow blueliners Braydon Coburn and Andrej Sustr looked as though they’d be back in.
Mike Fisher, Nashville (lower-body)
The veteran Preds center missed the final two games of the year, but will draw in for Game 1 against Chicago.
John Gibson, Anaheim (upper-body)
After picking up a knock in practice, Gibson didn’t skate on Wednesday -- which points to Frederik Andersen getting the start for Anaheim in Game 1 of its series against the Jets. At this point, it’s worth monitoring this situation to see if Gibson is even healthy enough to back up, as the Ducks have recalled veteran Jason LaBarbera from AHL Norfolk.
Mathieu Perreault, Winnipeg (lower body)
Injured in last Thursday’s shootout loss to Colorado, Perreault hasn’t been practicing or skating but, per Jets head coach Paul Maurice, he is getting better.
“We don’t want to turn it into a bigger problem than it is,” Maurice said, per the Free Press. “He’ll get back out on the ice. He may play based on how he feels after he skates. I expect him to go sooner rather than later.”
Justin Abdelkader, Detroit (hand)
Injured blocking a shot late in the season, Abdelkader is listed as questionable for Game 1 against Tampa Bay. His official status will be announced following the morning skate.