The Art of the Stash: 5 Injured NHL Stars Returning After the Break

The Art of the Stash: 5 Injured NHL Stars Returning After the Break

In fantasy hockey, timing is everything. While your league-mates are distracted by the Olympic games in Milan, you should be looking at the NHL training rooms.

The 19-day break is a godsend for players recovering from mid-season injuries. Many stars who were "week-to-week" in late January are now targeting February 25 for their return. Here are five players you should stash on your IR right now.

1. Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)

Injury: Lower Body | Expected Return: Feb 25 vs. Florida Bedard missed the final four games before the break. The Blackhawks have been cautious with their franchise cornerstone, but all signs point to him being 100% for the final stretch. If a frustrated manager dropped him or is looking to sell low, pounce. He’ll be fresh and ready to chase a 40-goal season.

2. Dougie Hamilton (New Jersey Devils)

Injury: Upper Body | Expected Return: Feb 26 vs. Columbus The Devils' power play has looked lost without Hamilton’s shot from the point. He has been skating individually and is expected to join full practice during the Olympic hiatus. He is a top-10 fantasy defenseman when healthy—ensure he isn't sitting on your waiver wire.

3. Thatcher Demko (Vancouver Canucks)

Injury: Knee | Expected Return: Late February Demko’s season has been a rollercoaster of "almost back." The Canucks have stayed afloat, but they need their Vezina-caliber starter for the playoff push. With nearly three weeks of rest, Demko should reclaim the crease by the end of the month.

4. Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche)

Injury: Knee (Long-term) | Expected Return: "Post-Olympic Window" The most anticipated return in hockey. While we’ve been hurt before, Landeskog has been participating in high-intensity drills. Even at 80%, his presence on MacKinnon’s wing or the top power play is a game-changer. He is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward stash.

5. Filip Forsberg (Nashville Predators)

Injury: Upper Body | Expected Return: Feb 25 vs. Winnipeg Forsberg was on a tear before a minor setback sidelined him in late January. The Predators are in the thick of the Western Conference Wild Card race, and Forsberg is their offensive engine. He should return with fresh legs.

Why Stashing Works Now

During the 19-day NHL gap, you don't need to worry about "wasted" roster spots. Use your IR slots aggressively. If these players are available, they are essentially free lottery tickets that pay out on February 25.

Check our Hart Trophy Race analysis to see how these returns might shake up the NHL awards landscape.