Global Hockey Injury Report: Bedard Sidelined, Eriksson Ek Cleared as Training Camps Approach

The dog days of August mean NHL and international hockey training camps are just weeks away. For several franchises, the focus isn't just on new systems or line combinations, but on the medical reports that will dictate their opening night rosters.[1][2]

The biggest shockwave came from Chicago, where Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard will officially miss the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Bedard underwent surgery on his left shoulder following an injury sustained during a July practice session in Vancouver.[1]

Expected to need four months to recover, the 21-year-old center's absence leaves a massive hole in Chicago's top six. Bedard led the team with 75 points last season, and his extended rehab means the Blackhawks will have to lean heavily on their depth down the middle through at least November.[1]

On a more positive note, the Minnesota Wild received a massive boost regarding alternate captain Joel Eriksson Ek. After battling a lingering lower-body injury that hampered him during the spring, the elite two-way center has officially transitioned from off-ice conditioning to full-speed skating drills in Sweden.

The Wild's medical staff expects Eriksson Ek to be a full participant when training camp opens next month. His return is critical for Minnesota, as he remains the defensive heartbeat of their forward corps and a consistent 25-30 goal threat.

Across the Atlantic in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), the news is less encouraging for a hockey legend. Nicklas Backstrom was notably absent when Brynäs IF held its first on-ice practice for the 2026-27 season at Monitor ERP Arena in Gävle.

Backstrom remains on medical leave while rehabilitating an undisclosed injury. Brynäs general manager Johan Alcén has stated that the club is constructing its roster with the assumption that the 38-year-old center may not be available, describing any potential contribution from the former Stanley Cup champion as a "bonus."[3]

Back in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for life without center Isac Lundestrom. The 26-year-old underwent offseason Achilles surgery and is projected to be sidelined until at least early November, forcing Columbus to reconfigure its bottom-six forward group.[2]

Injuries are also shaping the prospect landscape as young players vie for roster spots. Philadelphia Flyers prospect Elliot Desnoyers suffered a left leg injury while playing for Team Canada at the World Junior Summer Showcase, temporarily halting his offseason momentum.[2]

Conversely, Calgary Flames prospect Rory Kerins has been fully cleared to play after a smooth rehab from a major lower-body injury. His accelerated timeline allows him to compete for an AHL roster spot right out of the gate, proving that summer rehabilitation can sometimes yield unexpectedly positive results.

As September approaches, the gap between "rehabilitating" and "game-ready" will dictate the opening night rosters across the globe. For players like Eriksson Ek and Kerins, the hard work of the summer is paying off; for others, the grueling path to recovery is just beginning.[1]