Given the lengthy list of absences, Helm was likely tot play in the top-9 in Colorado's next game (Sunday) but now he will likely be sidelined until the middle of next week.

On the day that the Islanders activated players like Mathew Barzal, they also added four forwards to the protocol list, including Parise. This group is expected to be out until next Wednesday.

Francouz was moved to COVID-19 protocol on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined until the middle of next week. With Jonas Johansson now in Florida, Justus Annunen or Hunter Miska will likely come up to serve as Darcy Kuemper's backup.

O'Connor was placed in COVID-19 protocol on December 20th but the team did not announce it until Sunday. The Avalanche provided expected return dates for all of the players still in protocol and put O'Connor on track to miss Wednesday's game vs. the Stars but be back for Friday's rematch.

The Sharks have already been shut down through the Christmas break, so we'll see when they resume play next week. Burns will likely be out until at least next Thursday.

Blackwood will miss Saturday's game in Detroit with a neck injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Devils recently acquired Jon Gillies from the Blues and could make his Devils debut.

With a bunch of Hurricanes forwards in COVID-19 protocol, Drury is set up to make his NHL debut on Thursday. The 2018 second-round pick has scored seven goals with nine assists (16 points) in 23 AHL games this season.

Nelson has missed the last seven games with a lower-body injury that he suffered on November 21st. Even after missing nearly three weeks, Nelson still leads the Islanders with nine goals.