The excitement of the 2024-25 NHL season is tempered by a slew of high-profile injuries impacting teams across the league. As franchises gear up for the winter months, the absence of key players is already reshaping lineups and game strategies.
Eastern Conference Updates
The Florida Panthers face challenges after their star forward, Aleksander Barkov, sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators. The injury occurred in the final moments of the game as Barkov valiantly attempted to thwart an empty-net goal. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice offered hope, saying, "(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."
The New Jersey Devils are battling against the odds with dual injuries in their roster. Brett Pesce, a crucial defenseman, is nursing a fractured fibula, with an expected return this October. Meanwhile, rising star Luke Hughes has suffered a shoulder injury, projecting his return for early November.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are awaiting the recovery of Bryan Rust, who is overcoming a lower-body injury. As the team maneuvers through the early season without him, they must look to reserve players to fill the gap left in Rust's absence.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are similarly affected, with Calle Jarnkrok expected to return in late October following a lower-body setback. His contributions are sorely missed as the Maple Leafs navigate through the initial weeks.
Western Conference Challenges
In San Jose, the Sharks are grappling with Macklin Celebrini's absence. Celebrini, who was injured in training camp, is on the injured reserve list and is expected to miss at least the next two games. His return cannot come soon enough for a team eager to capitalize on his potential.
The Colorado Avalanche have been dealing with long-term injury woes. Gabriel Landeskog, who has been out since their triumphant 2022 Stanley Cup campaign, continues his recovery. Landeskog underwent arthroscopic knee surgery and missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season. Regrettably, he will also miss the 2023-24 season following a cartilage transplant surgery. Adding to Colorado's challenges, Artturi Lehkonen is on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
The Edmonton Oilers are eyeing a February 2025 return for Evander Kane, following hip and hernia surgeries. The absence of such a high-impact player places a considerable strain on the Oilers' offensive capabilities.
Los Angeles Kings fans are anxiously awaiting updates on Drew Doughty, who is rehabilitating from ankle surgery. The Kings have not provided a specific timeframe for his return, adding to the uncertainty clouding their early season aspirations.
Goaltender Injuries
Goaltending stability is a concern for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. Thatcher Demko is recovering from a knee injury incurred during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators. His estimated recovery period is three to four weeks, during which the Canucks will need to rely on their backup goaltenders.
In Anaheim, John Gibson is on the mend following appendectomy surgery, with hopes to return to the ice in early November. As these teams adjust their defenses, the absence of such skilled goalies will test their resilience.
Other Notable Absences
Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames is on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury. As the Flames seek to maintain their competitive edge, they eagerly anticipate Sharangovich's return.
In new developments, Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club is contending with an upper-body injury and is slated for an early November return. His teammate, John Marino, is expected back by mid-October, sooner than Bjugstad, offering some relief to the team.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks face the additional challenge of Dakota Joshua recovering from testicular cancer. The team and their supporters rally behind Joshua, with a projected return set for late October.
The Vegas Golden Knights are hopeful for William Karlsson's October 2024 return, despite an undisclosed injury. The enigmatic situation adds a layer of complexity to the Golden Knights' season start.
The St. Louis Blues face the prospect of an extended absence for Torey Krug, who will miss the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery. His long-term recovery requires the Blues to rethink their defensive strategies.
As teams across the league adapt to these injuries, early-season games take on added significance. The competition remains fierce, as franchises navigate the challenges of high-intensity matchups without their full rosters. Each team's resilience and adaptability will be tested as they strive to maintain performance in the ever-demanding NHL season.