Injury Updates: Panthers’ Marchand Misses Game Against Canadiens
Stay informed with the latest injury reports and roster changes from the NHL through our daily Ice Chips updates.
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers will be without winger Brad Marchand due to an undisclosed injury, as confirmed by head coach Paul Maurice. Marchand is currently classified as day-to-day. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for fans, as he has not been ruled out for the upcoming game against Ottawa on Saturday.
Marchand did not participate in the morning skate and was removed from Tuesday's matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs because of a pre-existing injury that worsened during play. Coach Maurice clarified that this decision was made strategically.
At 37 years old, Marchand boasts an impressive record this season with 23 goals and 46 points in just 41 games.
"Marchand is considered day-to-day and will not be in the lineup tonight," Maurice stated, adding that the possibility remains open for Saturday's contest in Ottawa.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) January 8, 2026
Panthers’ Morning Skate Lines: (as reported by Panthers journalist Jameson Olive)
- Luostarinen - Lundell - Reinhart
- Verhaeghe - Bennett - Greer
- Boqvist - Rodrigues - Samoskevich
- Gregor - Kunin - Studnicka
- Defensive Pairings: Forsling - Ekblad, Mikkola - Balinskis, Sebrango - Petry
Toronto Maple Leafs
According to TSN reporter Claire Hanna, the Maple Leafs will maintain their current lineup ahead of their game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Toronto recently secured a 4-1 victory over Florida, boosting team morale.
Unfortunately, forward William Nylander will not be participating in the morning skate again and is set to miss his sixth consecutive game due to a lower-body injury.
Maple Leafs’ Lines for Tonight’s Game:
- McMann - Matthews - Domi
- Maccelli - Tavares - Knies
- Cowan - Roy - Robertson
- Lorentz - Laughton - Jarnkrok
- Defensive Pairings: Rielly-Carlo, OEL-Stecher, Benoit-Myers
- Goalies: Woll, Hildeby
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) January 8, 2026
Montreal Canadiens
In roster news, the Canadiens have decided to loan defenseman Adam Engstrom to the AHL’s Laval Rocket. Engstrom was last seen on the ice during a January 1 game, where he played 13 minutes and achieved a plus/minus rating of +2 in a high-scoring win over the Carolina Hurricanes.
Engstrom, aged 22, has participated in 11 games with Montreal this season but has yet to make a mark on the scoreboard. In contrast, he has performed well in the AHL, recording five goals and 16 points in just 20 appearances.
"Les Canadiens ont cédé le défenseur Adam Engstrom au Rocket de Laval."
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 8, 2026
The Canadiens are slated to face off against the Florida Panthers tonight at home.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have announced the assignment of forward Ville Koivunen to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team. The 22-year-old has contributed two goals and five points over 27 games with Pittsburgh this season. During his NHL debut in the previous season, he recorded seven assists in eight matches.
Koivunen has also played six AHL games this season, scoring four goals and accumulating 11 points, showcasing his offensive potential. Originally a second-round draft pick by the Carolina Hurricanes, Koivunen was traded to the Penguins in March 2024, along with other players, in exchange for Jake Guentzel and Ty Smith.
Tonight, the Penguins will host the New Jersey Devils.
