On Thursday, the Anaheim Ducks confirmed that team captain Mikael Granlund is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Just days before, the 34-year-old forward achieved the franchise record as the first player to begin a season with a six-game point streak.
The team did not specify the exact nature of the ailment, but Granlund might miss Friday night’s game against the Boston Bruins. While he looked fine during Tuesday’s loss to the Calgary Flames, the absence of their on-ice leader adds pressure to a roster already dealing with significant losses.
A Streak On the Line
Granlund was far from invisible in his last outing. He logged 20:52 of ice time in a 4-2 defeat to the Flames and registered an assist. That single point extended his opening run to six games, a feat no other Duck has ever managed to start a season. Through the initial six games of the 2026-27 campaign, he has accumulated eight points, comprising two goals and six assists. This output places him second on the team in scoring, making his potential absence a major blow to the offense.
The timing is particularly awkward for a team that has won four of its first six games. Losing a player who averages 19:55 of ice time per game disrupts the rhythm of the top line. Per Daily Faceoff, the team announced the injury status on Thursday, leaving fans to wonder if he will be ready for the puck drop against Boston. The mystery of when the injury occurred remains unsolved, as he showed no signs of trouble during the previous match.
The Injury List Grows Longer
Granlund’s status only adds to a growing list of significant names on Anaheim’s injured roster. At the season’s outset, Troy Terry was assigned to long-term injured reserve, which took another key scorer out of the lineup. Following a sprained MCL in last Saturday’s game against the Flames, Ryan Poehling is on injured reserve and is projected to be out for 6-8 weeks. Forward Cutter Gauthier is also considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury, meaning the Ducks could be without multiple top-six forwards in a short span.
The team has managed to stay afloat despite these setbacks, but the depth is being tested early. Having the injury bug hit this early in the season could really clip their wings as they try to build on their solid start. The loss of Granlund, who has an even plus/minus so far, removes a veteran presence that helps guide younger players through the grind of an 82-game schedule.
A Career of Resilience on the Line
Before this current season, Granlund had played 966 regular-season games in the NHL. During that period, he recorded 459 assists and 200 goals, totaling 659 points. His postseason experience includes 52 points accumulated across 89 Stanley Cup Playoff contests. His ability to produce at a high level has made him a natural choice for the captaincy prior to this season.
Now, the focus shifts to how the Ducks adjust without their leader. The team will need other players to step up and fill the void on the power play and in the defensive zone. If Granlund cannot play Friday, the coaching staff must find a new combination that can maintain the pace set in the first six games. The next few days will determine if this is a minor setback or the start of a longer absence for the veteran forward.
Granlund’s career history shows he has handled tough situations before, but the early season timeline is critical for playoff positioning. The Ducks have won four of their first six games, a record that could slip if the top line loses its spark. Every game counts when the season is just beginning, and the loss of a eight-point leader is a hard pill to swallow for any fan base.