NHL Offseason Injury Updates: Pulock Resumes Skating, Terry Begins Hip Rehab

The mid-July stretch of the NHL offseason is typically defined by quiet arenas and finalized free-agent rosters, but behind the scenes, several key veterans are hitting crucial milestones in their medical rehabilitations. For teams banking on internal health rather than external spending to improve their fortunes in the 2026-27 campaign, the latest wave of injury updates has provided a significant dose of optimism. From top-pairing defensemen resuming on-ice activities to star forwards successfully navigating complex structural surgeries, the league's medical landscape is clearing the way for a healthy start to training camps in September.[6]

In New York, the Islanders received a massive boost to their defensive corps this week. Veteran blueliner Ryan Pulock, who underwent a necessary shoulder procedure following the conclusion of the team's season, has already taken major strides in his recovery. According to local reports, the 31-year-old defenseman is not only back on the ice but has resumed full skating and shooting drills. Clearing the hurdle of shooting—a motion that puts immense stress on a surgically repaired shoulder—indicates that Pulock's joint has stabilized nicely.[4]

Team officials and medical staff now expect Pulock to be fully cleared and ready to participate without restrictions when training camp officially opens. His immediate availability is a relief for Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche, who has largely opted to run back the team's defensive unit rather than seeking outside replacements. Pulock's heavy right-handed shot and physical shutdown capabilities remain a cornerstone of New York's top-four rotation, making his smooth recovery a vital component of their early-season strategy.[4]

The good news on Long Island extends to the forward group as well. Winger Pierre Engvall, who quietly underwent both hip and ankle surgeries earlier in the offseason, has also been given a clean bill of health. Managing two lower-body procedures simultaneously can often complicate a player's summer training regimen, but Engvall is reportedly fully healthy and back to his normal offseason routine.[4]

Engvall's return to full fitness provides the Islanders with much-needed clarity. The speedy Swedish forward still has four years remaining on his contract, which carries a $3 million annual salary cap hit. Had his recovery lingered into the fall, New York might have been forced to explore placing him on long-term injured reserve or burying a portion of his contract in the minors to clear cap space for a replacement. Instead, a healthy Engvall will be expected to compete for a middle-six role and contribute to the team's penalty kill from day one of camp.[4]

Out West, the Anaheim Ducks are managing a significantly longer timeline for star forward Troy Terry, but the initial surgical outcome has been deemed a complete success. On June 9, Terry underwent a complex procedure to address a hip impingement and a labral tear. The 28-year-old winger had battled through the lingering, painful structural issue for much of the 2025-26 campaign, yet still managed to be one of the most productive players on the Anaheim roster.[1][2]

Despite the severe discomfort of a torn labrum, Terry posted 57 points—including 19 goals and 38 assists—in 61 regular-season games. He then elevated his game in the postseason, adding 11 points across 12 playoff contests as the Ducks made a deep run. His willingness to play through a structural deficit cemented his reputation as an inspirational leader in the Anaheim locker room, bridging the gap between the team's older veterans and its influx of young, dynamic talent.[1][3]

The Ducks announced that Terry's rehabilitation process is officially underway, with a projected recovery window of five to six months. Because a hip impingement requires surgeons to shave down bone and repair the cartilage ring, the timeline is rigid and non-negotiable. Based on the June surgery date, Terry is expected to make a full return to the NHL lineup between late November and Christmas, meaning he will miss approximately the first two months of the 2026-27 regular season.[1][2][3]

While Terry's early-season absence leaves a 57-point void in Anaheim's top six, the successful structural fix provides long-term relief for one of the franchise's foundational pieces. Playing on a contract that carries a $7 million annual cap hit, Terry's long-term health is paramount. By addressing the impingement now, the Ducks ensure that their star winger can play pain-free and at maximum capacity for the remainder of his prime, rather than risking further joint degradation.[3]

Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Penguins are seeing the dividends of an early-offseason medical intervention. Defenseman Caleb Jones is firmly on track to hit his own recovery targets following a successful right shoulder surgery performed on March 18. The procedure, conducted by renowned orthopedic specialist Dr. Peter Millett at the Steadman Clinic in Colorado, carried an expected recovery time of four to six months.[5]

Now four months into that designated window, the 29-year-old blueliner is progressing exactly as planned. Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas and the team's medical staff fully expect Jones to be ready for the start of the regular season. His availability will shore up the left side of Pittsburgh's defensive depth chart, providing a reliable puck-moving option as the team looks to bounce back from a challenging year.[5]

As the NHL transitions from the frenzy of free agency into the dog days of summer, these successful medical interventions underscore the hidden victories of the offseason. For Pulock, Engvall, Terry, and Jones, the grueling months of isolated physical therapy are paying off, ensuring that when the puck drops in September, the focus can return entirely to the ice.[6]