As the 2024-25 NHL season gets underway, it appears injuries are casting a long shadow, impacting some of the league's most prominent players. These early setbacks could influence team dynamics and potentially shift the odds as franchises confront the challenges of replacing their sidelined stars.
Marquee Players Face Time on the Bench
The Edmonton Oilers are grappling with the temporary loss of their superstar, Connor McDavid. The dynamic forward suffered an ankle injury during an October 28 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, putting him out of commission for an estimated two to three weeks. This absence could see the Oilers navigating five to six pivotal games without their talismanic captain. McDavid’s absence will urge the team to seek support from other key players as they push to maintain their performance in his absence.
Another young talent, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, finds himself on injured reserve after only one game due to a lower-body injury. The Sharks anticipate his return sometime in November, and while it is early days, they will have to rely on their depth to compensate for his missing presence on the ice.
Goaltending Woes and Long Recoveries
Over in Vancouver, the Canucks are contending with the loss of their first-choice goaltender, Thatcher Demko. A knee injury has rendered Demko unavailable for three to four weeks, an absence that will test the depth of Vancouver's goalkeeping lineup. Considered a cornerstone of the Canucks’ defense, Demko’s rehabilitation progress will be closely watched by fans and management alike.
Colorado Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog remains out of action, having not played since the 2022 postseason. The captain's absence is prolonged due to complex recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery and cartilage transplant surgery. As one of the Avalanche's pivotal leaders, the team continues to navigate the roster and tactical adjustments required in his ongoing absence.
Meanwhile, Artturi Lehkonen, also with the Avalanche, is sidelined following shoulder surgery. The Avalanche need to reconfigure their strategies and team lines to bridge the gap until both players make their anticipated return.
Medical Setbacks Across the League
John Gibson, the Anaheim Ducks' reliable netminder, recently underwent appendectomy surgery. His absence will force the Ducks to look towards their backup goaltenders—a situation that could influence their defensive strategies in upcoming games.
The Buffalo Sabres are missing the services of Zach Benson due to a lower-body injury, an ailment that could reshape their forward rotations and offensive tactics momentarily. Similarly, Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is out dealing with an upper-body injury, affecting the Blues' defensive duties.
The Edmonton Oilers are doubly hit with the absence of Evander Kane, who is on the road to recovery from surgeries on his hip and hernia. Balancing the team’s forward depth while McDavid and Kane recuperate will be key for the Oilers moving forward.
Health Challenges and Rehabilitations
Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is on a recovery path following ankle surgery. His leadership and defensive prowess are instrumental to the Kings, and filling the void left by his absence is a tactical challenge for the coaching staff.
Anthony Duclair of the New York Islanders is dealing with a lower-body injury that has seen him sidelined, presenting an additional challenge for the Islanders as they adjust their roster and strategies.
The St. Louis Blues are facing a double blow with the simultaneous absence of Torey Krug and Robert Thomas. Krug is recovering from ankle surgery, while Thomas is nursing a fractured ankle. Their recovery periods necessitate strategic adjustments to maintain the Blues’ competitiveness.
Vince Dunn of the Seattle Kraken holds off on the sidelines with a mid-body injury, impacting the team's defensive rotations. Similarly, Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is managing a lower-body issue, which has likely prompted shift adjustments within the team’s lineup.
John Marino from the Utah Hockey Club is out with an upper-body injury. While not an NHL team, any prolonged absence of a player of his caliber could lead to performance dips and strategic changes.
Finally, the possibility of cancer returning often lingers in sports, but Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks faces such personal challenges with bravery. Joshua is currently recovering from testicular cancer, a battle that transcends the rink and serves as a reminder of the life-or-death struggles some athletes endure outside the game.
As the season progresses, teams will be vying not just for victories, but also working to reintegrate these sidelined talents back onto their rosters. The return of these players will likely bolster team spirits and reinvigorate the on-ice performances, shifting the dynamic balance of the league as the NHL season unfolds.