The Edmonton Oilers confirmed on Tuesday that forward M. Janmark will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign after undergoing surgery on a lingering lower‑body injury.
A day later, the New Jersey Devils issued a similar statement, revealing that defenseman A. Gritsyuk will also miss the rest of the season following an upper‑body procedure.
Both announcements were first reported by veteran hockey insider Mark Spector of Sportsnet, who has been tracking the players' health throughout the year.
The moves come at a critical juncture for each club, as they navigate playoff push and roster adjustments in the final weeks of the schedule.
Roster ramifications
For the Oilers, the loss of Janmark, a versatile scorer who contributed 22 goals last season, forces a reshuffling of lines and a deeper reliance on younger talent.
The Devils, meanwhile, must fill the void left by Gritsyuk, whose shutdown defensive play has been a staple on the blue line.
Coaches from both teams emphasized that the surgeries are expected to be routine, with full recovery timelines projected for the start of next season.
The injuries also highlight the physical toll that a condensed schedule can exact on elite athletes, prompting renewed discussion about load management.
Sportsnet's Mark Spector noted that while the procedures are not expected to have long‑term implications, the psychological impact on the players and their teammates should not be underestimated.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the teams adapt, with early speculation pointing to potential call‑ups from the AHL and a shift in power‑play configurations.