High-Profile Injuries Affect NHL Teams as 2024-25 Season Commences
The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with intense scrutiny on player health, as several key figures battle significant injuries early in the campaign. The impact of these injuries is felt across the league as teams strive to adjust their strategies and maintain momentum with depleted rosters.
Aleksander Barkov: A Setback for the Panthers
In the case of Aleksander Barkov from the Florida Panthers, the setback was immediate and unexpected. The dynamic center found himself on the injured list after sustaining a lower-body injury on October 9, during a match against the Ottawa Senators. The injury occurred in a defensive effort against what ultimately became an empty-net goal. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice provided an estimated recovery time for Barkov of two to three weeks. In a hopeful note, Maurice added that Barkov has a chance to join the team in early November for the NHL Global Series match in Finland. "Paul Maurice estimated that Barkov would be sidelined two to three weeks, with a chance to return to the ice by the team's early November NHL Global Series match in Finland if not sooner," he shared.
Challenges for Sharks and Canucks
The San Jose Sharks are also managing without a vital player in Macklin Celebrini, who was injured during training camp. Celebrini’s absence is expected to span at least two games, presenting a challenge to the team’s early season tactics. Meanwhile, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks is working through a knee injury acquired during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Demko sustained this injury in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. The estimate for Demko’s return stands at three to four weeks, leaving the Canucks to adapt without their top goaltender.
Colorado Avalanche: Long-term Concerns and Immediate Setbacks
Long-term injury concerns are mounting for the Colorado Avalanche. Gabriel Landeskog, a pivotal force in their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, remains sidelined. Having missed the entire 2022-23 season following arthroscopic knee surgery, Landeskog will also sit out the 2023-24 season due to subsequent cartilage transplant surgery. In a more immediate blow to the Avalanche, Artturi Lehkonen is recovering from shoulder surgery and currently remains on injured reserve.
Ducks, Flames, and Oilers Deal with Absences
The Anaheim Ducks face a short-term absence with John Gibson, who is expected to return in early November after undergoing appendectomy surgery. Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames is another player on the injured reserve list, sidelined due to a lower-body issue. The Edmonton Oilers impatiently await the return of Evander Kane, who is anticipated back on the ice by February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. This extended absence leaves a significant gap in the Oilers’ lineup.
Uncertain Timetables in Los Angeles and New Jersey
Drew Doughty, the stalwart defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings, undergoes rehabilitation for ankle surgery, but a precise timeline for his return remains uncertain, complicating the Kings' defensive arrangements. Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils is projected to make a return in early November, nursing a shoulder injury. Brett Pesce, also of the Devils, is targeting a return this month following a fractured fibula, adding depth and resilience back to their defense.
Additional Noteworthy Injuries
Beyond these key figures, several other players face extended or significant absences. Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins is overcoming a lower-body injury, while the St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug will miss the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery. Toronto Maple Leafs fans are keen on seeing Calle Jarnkrok back in action by late October, post lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club is grappling with the absence of Nick Bjugstad due to an upper-body issue, hoping for his return by early November, while John Marino is expected back mid-October. Blueliner Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is recovering from testicular cancer, aiming for a late October return, bringing inspiration and stolen resolve to the team.
Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights maintain optimism towards William Karlsson returning this month despite an undisclosed injury, leaving fans and experts alike speculating about his recovery and performance.
As the NHL season progresses, the ripple effect of these injuries will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of each team, underscoring the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of professional hockey.