The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with a string of substantial injuries, leaving several teams navigating the initial period without their marquee players. The Edmonton Oilers are grappling with the absence of their captain and superstar Connor McDavid. McDavid suffered an ankle injury during an October 28 clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets, an unfortunate blow that has sidelined him for an expected two to three weeks. This timeline means the Oilers could face a challenging stretch without their linchpin, missing him in possibly five to six games.
In San Jose, the Sharks are already dealing with a significant setback as their young sensation, Macklin Celebrini, finds himself on the injured reserve list after just one game due to a lower-body injury. Celebrini’s anticipated return in November offers a glimmer of hope for Sharks fans eager to see his potential unfold on the ice.
Meanwhile, over in Vancouver, the Canucks are without the services of their standout goaltender Thatcher Demko, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury. Demko’s absence, projected to last three to four weeks, presents a significant challenge for the Canucks as they try to solidify their defense early in the season.
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog continues his arduous recovery journey, not having stepped onto the ice since the 2022 NHL postseason. Following arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant, Landeskog's absence has been lengthy, significantly impacting the Avalanche roster that relies heavily on his leadership and skill.
Elsewhere around the league, the Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson is recuperating after undergoing an appendectomy. Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson is sidelined with a lower-body injury, while Artturi Lehkonen from the Avalanche is out following shoulder surgery. The Columbus Blue Jackets' Erik Gudbranson faces an upper-body injury that puts him off the ice, and Edmonton's Evander Kane is in recovery mode from hip and hernia surgeries.
In Los Angeles, Kings veteran defenseman Drew Doughty is on the mend after ankle surgery, and Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders is working through a lower-body injury setback. For the St. Louis Blues, both Torey Krug and Robert Thomas are missing from the lineup, with Krug recovering from ankle surgery and Thomas dealing with a fractured ankle.
Seattle Kraken's Vince Dunn is managing a mid-body injury, while Toronto Maple Leafs’ Calle Jarnkrok contends with a lower-body issue. Over in Utah, John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club is out with an upper-body injury. Lastly, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is bravely battling back from testicular cancer, an inspiring narrative that extends beyond the rink.
The spate of injuries this early in the season serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands of professional hockey. Teams must adapt quickly, relying on depth and resilience while hoping for swift recoveries from their injured stars. The return of these players will be keenly anticipated, as their influence is crucial not just to their teams but to the spectacle of the NHL season itself.