Patrick Sharp, Patrick Eaves, Cody Eakin, Ales Hemsky, Jiri Hudler and Mattias Janmark.
Those are the six -- count ‘em, six -- forwards Dallas is currently without, at least as of this morning, due to a myriad of ailments.
Sharp and Eaves were lost in last night’s controversial OT loss to L.A. According to head coach Lindy Ruff, Sharp is dealing with concussion symptoms and will be out “a while,” and the club is expected to know more about Eaves’ lower-body ailment today (per the Morning-News).
So, what about the rest of the suffering six?
Hemsky (groin) appears the closest to a return, and could possibly make his season debut in Saturday’s tilt against the Blue Jackets. Hudler, dealing with what appears to be a serious case of the flu, is still a ways away from recovering (remember, Montreal goalie Carey Price missed three games and lost 7-8 pounds with a similar illness to start the year.)
Hudler’s unlikely for the Columbus game.
Eakin, who’s been out since late September with a knee injury, was originally slated to miss six weeks. That would put his return somewhere in the beginning-to-middle of November, which is still a ways away.
Janmark is out 5-6 months following knee surgery.
Add it all up, and Lindy Ruff’s team could be severely shorthanded at a tough time -- after home dates on Saturday and Tuesday, the club will head out on a three-game road swing through Winnipeg, Minnesota and Columbus.
Ruff did say he will have to recall a forward from AHL Texas.
Heck, he might have to recall a couple.