NHL Projected Lineups, Starting Goalies, Injuries, Updates

As of January 9, 2026, here's a comprehensive look at the projected lineups, starting goalies, injuries, and other updates from around the NHL:

Team Lineups and Matchups

• St. Louis Blues vs. Utah Mammoth: The Blues are slated to face the Utah Mammoth, with Joel Hofer expected to start in goal. Coach Jim Montgomery plans to keep the forward lines and defense pairings consistent, providing an opportunity for the team to rebound after a previous loss. Projected Blues lineup: Neighbours-Thomas-Kyrou, Buchnevich-Schenn-Snuggerud, Stenberg-Dvorsky-Berggren, Toropchenko-Sundqvist-Walker; Broberg-Parayko, Tucker-Faulk, Fowler-Mailloux.
• Los Angeles Kings vs. Winnipeg Jets: The Kings face off against the Jets, who are currently struggling with an 11-game losing streak. The Kings will be without Corey Perry, who is on non-roster playing status due to a family illness, and Trevor Moore, who has an upper-body injury. Los Angeles is expected to utilize the same 11 forwards and 7 defensemen lineup from their recent game against the Sharks. Projected Kings lineup: Ward-Laferriere-Kempe, Foegele-Byfield-Malott, Fiala-Turcotte-Kuzmenko, Helenius-Lee; Anderson-Doughty, Edmundson-Clarke, Dumoulin-Ceci, Moverare with Kuemper expected to start in goal. The Jets will likely have Eric Comrie in goal, with the rest of the lineup remaining consistent from their previous game. Projected Jets lineup: Connor-Scheifele-Iafallo, Perfetti-Toews-Vilardi, Barron-Lowry-Niederreiter, Koepke-Zhilkin-Pearson; Morrissey-DeMelo, Samberg-Pionk, Stanley-Schenn.
• Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard is set to return to the Blackhawks lineup after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained on December 12. However, the Blackhawks are dealing with an illness affecting multiple players, including Nick Foligno, Ilya Mikheyev and Arvid Soderblom, which may impact the forward line combinations. Spencer Knight is projected to start in goal for Chicago.

Injuries and Absences

• Anaheim Ducks: Goaltender Petr Mrazek is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Frank Vatrano is also on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury and is expected to be out for approximately six weeks.
• Boston Bruins: Hampus Lindholm is on injured reserve. Jordan Harris is on long-term injured reserve and is expected to be out for two months. Nikita Zadorov is finding his place with the Bruins.
• Buffalo Sabres: Several players are on injured reserve, including Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins. Kulich is expected to miss significant time due to a blood clot issue.
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Smith is recovering from knee surgery and is expected to be out for 3-4 months. Mason Marchment and Miles Wood are also on injured reserve.
• Edmonton Oilers: Adam Henrique is on injured reserve and will be out through the Olympic break.
• Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar (upper body), Joel Armia (lower body), and Trevor Moore (upper body) are currently injured.
• Vegas Golden Knights: Goalie Carter Hart sustained a left leg injury during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and is undergoing evaluation. Adin Hill is also out with a left leg injury since October 20, though he has resumed practicing.
• Winnipeg Jets: Haydn Fleury is currently injured with a bruised back.

Other Updates

• Patrick Kane Milestone: Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings scored his 500th career goal, becoming the fifth U.S.-born player in NHL history to reach this milestone.
• MacKinnon Leads Scoring Race: Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche has reclaimed the lead in the NHL scoring race with 78 points.
• Slovakia Olympic Roster: Seven NHL players will represent Slovakia in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
• Waivers: Noah Gregor (Florida Panthers) and Dennis Cholowski (New Jersey Devils) have been placed on waivers.
• Connor McDavid: Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 17 games.

This information provides a snapshot of the NHL as of January 9, 2026, with teams navigating injuries and striving for success as the season progresses.