NHL Offseason Injury Report: Larkin, Lekkerimäki, and Kyrou on Track for Training Camp Returns

August marks a critical turning point in the NHL offseason, where the focus shifts from free agency frenzy to physical readiness. Across the league, teams are receiving vital medical updates on key personnel recovering from late-season injuries and surgical procedures.[1][6]

For several franchises, the news has been overwhelmingly positive. Players who ended the 2025-26 campaign in the medical room are hitting their rehabilitation milestones, clearing the way for their return to the ice when training camps officially open in mid-September.[1]

In Detroit, the health of Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has been a central storyline. After battling through physical attrition and frequent maintenance days during the team's playoff push, Larkin entered the summer requiring significant recovery time.[1]

Fortunately for Detroit, Larkin avoided any acute, season-ending surgical procedures. The veteran center is currently focused on high-performance rehabilitation protocols and strength development. The organization's medical staff is monitoring his progress, and he is fully expected to be ready for the rigorous demands of the upcoming 82-game marathon.[1]

Out West, the Vancouver Canucks received encouraging news regarding top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki. The 21-year-old forward's promising season was cut short when he underwent successful shoulder surgery in late February.[3]

Lekkerimäki had tallied two goals in 13 NHL appearances before the injury. Following months of dedicated rehab, he is on track to return in time for training camp, where he will have a prime opportunity to compete for a full-time roster spot on a competitive Canucks squad.[3]

The St. Louis Blues are also anticipating the healthy return of a core offensive piece. Forward Jordan Kyrou underwent a minor knee procedure in April following a frustrating campaign where his point production dipped to 46 points in 72 games.[2]

Kyrou's procedure was deemed minor, and the early off-season intervention was designed to ensure he would not miss any time in the fall. The Blues have confirmed that the 27-year-old is fully expected to be ready for training camp, giving him a clean slate to bounce back offensively.[2]

On the blue line, the Pittsburgh Penguins are monitoring the recovery of defenseman Caleb Jones. Jones underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder in mid-March, performed by specialists at the Steadman Clinic.[5]

With an expected recovery timeline of four to six months, Jones's rehabilitation aligns perfectly with the September camp schedule. The Penguins anticipate he will be fully cleared for the start of the 2026-27 regular season, bolstering their defensive depth.[5]

Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks are welcoming back forward Andrew Mangiapane, who missed the final games of the 2025-26 regular season with a lower-body injury. Recent updates indicate Mangiapane is good to go and will compete for a crucial bottom-six role during camp.[4]

As the calendar flips toward September, the lack of late-summer setbacks is the ultimate victory for NHL front offices. These successful recoveries underscore the effectiveness of modern sports medicine, ensuring that teams can enter the new season evaluating their true depth rather than scrambling for emergency replacements.[1][6]