Injury Woes Plague NHL Teams as 2024-25 Season Progresses
As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, teams across the league are grappling with a spate of injuries that have sidelined key players, impacting team dynamics and game outcomes. With the season just two months in, several prominent names find themselves on the injured list, leaving fans and coaches anxious for their return.
Stars on the Sidelines
Among those watching from the stands is Washington Capitals' star forward Alex Ovechkin. The hockey icon sustained a lower-leg injury in a collision with Utah forward Jack McBain, marking his last appearance on November 18, 2024. With his return listed as week-to-week, the Capitals grapple with filling the void left by their prolific goal-scorer.
Vancouver Canucks’ goaltender Thatcher Demko is another key figure facing challenges as he deals with lingering knee issues from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Canucks are hopeful for his return in early December, a crucial period for the team's playoff aspirations.
Bruins and Avalanche Face Injury Challenges
The Boston Bruins are navigating their season without Hampus Lindholm, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche face significant setbacks with both Ross Colton, nursing a broken foot, and Gabriel Landeskog, who has been sidelined since June 26, 2022, due to a knee injury.
Injury Concerns Compound for Several Teams
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets are missing Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner, both out with upper-body injuries. For Boone Jenner, it marks an extended absence since March 28, 2024. The Detroit Red Wings, on the other hand, are dealing with injuries to their goaltenders, Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot, with Talbot managing a lower-body ailment despite not being on the injured reserve.
For the Edmonton Oilers, forward Evander Kane's absence is significant following dual hip and hernia surgeries. His anticipated return is set for February 2025, leaving the Oilers to adjust in his absence. Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings miss the presence of Drew Doughty, recovering from ankle surgery, while goaltender Darcy Kuemper is out with an undisclosed injury.
Navigating the Next Steps
The Minnesota Wild are playing without Mats Zuccarello, sidelined with an upper-body injury, though fans hope for his return in three to four weeks. The New York Islanders are also feeling the impact with Anthony Duclair, Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Mike Reilly all nursing injuries.
The Philadelphia Flyers face their own challenges with Jamie Drysdale and Samuel Ersson on injured reserve, while the St. Louis Blues will go the remainder of the season without Torey Krug, following ankle surgery.
Broad Challenges Across the League
Challenges aren't unique to any one team. The San Jose Sharks are contending with injuries to Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture, and the Seattle Kraken await the February 2025 return of Jordan Eberle after pelvic surgery. For Toronto Maple Leafs, injuries to Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Pacioretty, all dealing with lower-body injuries, add to this persistently troubling trend.
Further west, the Utah Hockey Club manages without John Marino due to an upper-body injury and Sean Durzi, out for an estimated 4-6 months with a shoulder injury. The Carolina Hurricanes, however, have a silver lining, as goaltender Frederik Andersen is expected to return in mid-November, potentially bolstering their lineup.
As administrators and medical staff work diligently to bring players back to full health, teams across the NHL will need to rely on depth and adaptability to navigate this wave of injuries. Fans and analysts will watch closely, not just for the return of star players, but to see which teams can weather this storm of adversity and still come out strong as the season progresses.