NHL Buzz: MacKinnon back for Avalanche against Sharks

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2021-22 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

Colorado Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon played for the Avalanche against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.
MacKinnon did not play in a 2-1 win against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday because of an upper-body injury that Colorado coach Jared Bednar said could have resulted from the center's fight with Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba in the third period of a 3-2 overtime loss Sunday.
"That's what makes Nathan, Nathan," Bednar said. "That's why he's one of the best players in the world. It's not just that he's a good skater and he has a good skill set and good hockey IQ. It's the way he plays the game. He's a bull in a china shop. When he's good, that's what he plays."
MacKinnon has been limited to 51 games this season because of injuries. He scored 70 points (22 goals, 48 assists) and was fourth on the Avalanche in scoring and first in points per game (1.37). -- Ryan Boulding

Winnipeg Jets

Kyle Connor and Nate Schmidt were placed in NHL COVID-19 protocol Wednesday and will miss at least one more game for the Jets.
Connor, a forward, and Schmidt, a defenseman, each tested positive and have to quarantine for five days. They did not play in a 3-2 shootout win against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, or at the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday. Winnipeg plays the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
"We've had other top guys out," Jets coach Dave Lowry said Wednesday. "And yes, you just pointed out that [Connor is] not going to be available to play, but somebody else will have to step up. And what it does now is, it creates opportunity for somebody else to come in and take advantage."
Connor led the Jets with 41 goals and 82 points in 67 games and had not missed a game this season. Schmidt scored 31 points (four goals, 27 assists) in 66 games.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Jason Zucker returned to play for the Penguins after missing 30 games with a core muscle injury.
The forward had surgery Jan. 25 and missed 37 of the past 38 games.
"It's something where, especially now it's playoff hockey, and the way all these teams are playing right now, too, it's going to be a work in progress, for sure," Zucker said Thursday. "But I'll be working with the coaches and linemates and try to make it as quick as possible."
Zucker was expected to play on a line with center Evgeni Malkin and right wing Rickard Rakell against the Minnesota Wild.
Zucker scored 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 31 games. He scored twice in his most recent game, a 5-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 17.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Zach Werenski will miss one more game for the Blue Jackets because of an upper-body injury.
The defenseman did not travel for games at the New York Islanders on Thursday. Columbus plays at the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Werenski did not play in a 4-3 loss to the Islanders on Tuesday after he was injured Saturday during the first period of a 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild in a collision with Wild defenseman Jake Middleton.
Werenski scored 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 60 games this season.
Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen and assistant Steve McCarthy also did not travel after they were placed in NHL COVID-19 protocol Tuesday. Associate Pascal Vincent is coach.

Florida Panthers

Aaron Ekblad is progressing from a lower-body injury for the Panthers and could be back "sooner rather than later," coach Andrew Brunette said Thursday.
The defenseman was injured March 18 in a 3-0 win at the Anaheim Ducks and was expected to be out week to week.
Brunette said Ekblad hadn't resumed skating but is moving around well.
"He's a quick healer and he works so hard at it to get back, so I wouldn't be surprised if we see him sooner rather than later," Brunette said.
Ekblad scored 57 points (15 goals, 42 assists) in 61 games.