Injury Concerns Continue to Shape the Early NHL Season
The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with a flurry of excitement and anticipation. However, the list of injured players has already started shaping the dynamics and strategies of several teams. As franchises navigate these early hurdles, the impact of key player absences is evident across the league.
Florida Panthers Struggle Without Barkov
Aleksander Barkov, the formidable captain of the Florida Panthers, sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 during a game against the Ottawa Senators. It was an unfortunate moment for Barkov, as the injury occurred while he was making a defensive play against an empty-net goal. Panthers' coach Paul Maurice estimated Barkov’s recovery time to be two to three weeks. Optimistically, Barkov might return in time for the NHL Global Series in Finland in early November.
San Jose Sharks’ Setback with Celebrini
The San Jose Sharks have faced a setback with rising star Macklin Celebrini. Injured during the training camp, Celebrini currently resides on the injured reserve list and will likely miss the next two games. Celebrini’s absence poses a challenge for the Sharks, who are relying on their depth chart to maintain competitiveness.
Canucks and Avalanche Face Key Absences
Vancouver Canucks’ goalie Thatcher Demko is dealing with a knee injury, sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators. His recovery time is projected at three-to-four weeks. Demko's absence puts the Canucks' goaltending depth to the test in the opening months of the season.
The Colorado Avalanche continue to navigate the long-term absence of their captain, Gabriel Landeskog. Since their 2022 Stanley Cup triumph, Landeskog has been absent due to knee issues. Following arthroscopic surgery that kept him out for the entire 2022-23 season, he will now miss the 2023-24 season after a cartilage transplant surgery. Compounding the Avalanche's challenges, Artturi Lehkonen has been placed on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Ducks, Flames, and Oilers Respond to Key Player Injuries
In Anaheim, John Gibson is recuperating from an appendectomy. The Ducks expect Gibson to return by early November, providing relief for their goaltending line-up.
Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames finds himself on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury. His absence necessitates tactical adjustments for the Flames as they proceed through the season.
Edmonton Oilers’ forward Evander Kane will be sidelined until February 2025. Kane underwent hip and hernia surgeries, a significant loss for the Oilers who heavily rely on his offensive prowess.
Uncertainty Remains for Several Teams
Drew Doughty’s situation with the Los Angeles Kings adds to the uncertainty clouding several teams. The defenseman is rehabbing from ankle surgery, though the team has not established a specific timeframe for his return.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils manage dual challenges with both Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce facing respective injuries. Hughes is nursing a shoulder injury, targeting an early November return. Pesce, having sustained a fractured fibula, is anticipated to rejoin the Devils in October 2024.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are cautiously optimistic about Bryan Rust’s recovery from a lower-body injury, contributing to the list of early-season concerns for the Penguins.
Blues and Maple Leafs Monitor Player Recoveries
St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug will regrettably miss the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery, a blow to their defensive core. On a more hopeful note, the Toronto Maple Leafs anticipate the return of Calle Jarnkrok from a lower-body injury by late October 2024.
Additional Injuries Affecting Other Teams
Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club is dealing with an upper-body injury and expects to make his return in early November 2024. His teammate, John Marino, is projected to be back by mid-October, providing some relief for the club.
The Vancouver Canucks have been heartened by the recovery progress of Dakota Joshua, who is recuperating from testicular cancer and aims for a late October return.
The Vegas Golden Knights are hopeful for the return of William Karlsson in October 2024, despite his undisclosed injury, pivotal for maintaining their forward momentum.
As the season progresses, these injuries will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the affected teams. The adaptations made in response to these setbacks are sure to have a profound impact on the unfolding narratives throughout the NHL season.