Multiple playoff-bound NHL teams dealing with major injury issues

2. Edmonton Oilers (3rd in Pacific Division)

The defending Western Conference champions have had a busy training room lately, as superstar center Connor McDavid only recently returned from an injury that cost him eight games. 

Leon Draisitl, arguably the NHL's best goal scorer, has been out since April 2. Trade deadline acquisition Trent Frederic has only played a single game at forward for the Oilers due to injury. Top-six forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is listed on the injury report as day-to-day, while defensemen John Klingberg (IR) and Jake Walman (day-to-day) are battling injuries, too.

3. Dallas Stars (2nd in Central Division)

Dallas has fewer injuries than Florida and Edmonton, but its injured list includes superstar defenseman Miro Heiskanen and center Tyler Seguin. Heiskanen will likely miss the playoffs after suffering a knee injury at the end of January that kept him out of the 4 Nations Face-Off. 

Meanwhile, Seguin was in the middle of a resurgent turn-the-clock-back performance before hip surgery sidelined him for likely the entire regular season. However, he could return for the playoffs. What's unclear is how much a player at his age can contribute after not playing for almost half a year.

4. Minnesota Wild (First wild card in Western Conference)

Two players Minnesota has been without for months are returning just in time to shake off the rust and get some game action before heading into the playoffs. Center Joel Eriksson Ek made headlines with a four-goal effort in his return to the ice. Star winger Kirill Kaprizov missed nearly half the season due to surgery. 

The more significant issue is that Minnesota took a massive hit in the standings. This ultimately dropped the Wild into a likely first-round matchup with either Winnipeg or Vegas, who are both closing in on clinching their respective divisions. 

5. New Jersey Devils (3rd in Metropolitan Division)

The Devils are locked into a first-round showdown with a very experienced Carolina team. They'll be without superstar center Jack Hughes for the entirety of the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, top defender Dougie Hamilton hasn't played in over a month. Defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, critical in New Jersey's playoff series win two seasons ago, hasn't played in two months.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin April 19.