The NHL 2024-25 season has begun with a series of challenging injury setbacks that are reshaping the landscape of the league. Teams are grappling with the absence of key players, as injuries test their depth and resolve early in the campaign.
Islanders and Oilers Hit Hard
The New York Islanders find themselves in a precarious position, as key contributors have fallen victim to injury. Mat Barzal, a linchpin of the Islanders' offensive prowess, is sidelined with an upper-body injury that is expected to keep him out for four to six weeks. His absence leaves a significant void in the Islanders’ lineup, adding pressure on their remaining forwards to compensate for his playmaking abilities.
Adding to the Islanders' woes, defenseman Adam Pelech shares a similar recovery timeline to Barzal due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are both listed as day-to-day, further complicating the Islanders' defensive strategies.
The Edmonton Oilers are also navigating turbulent waters. Their superstar, Connor McDavid, will be missing crucial game time due to an ankle injury sustained during an intense matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. The Oilers will have to manage without McDavid's extraordinary skill set for an anticipated two-to-three weeks, which will undoubtably impact their offensive game.
Other Teams Managing Key Absences
In San Jose, the Sharks are coping without Macklin Celebrini, who is out with a lower-body injury but expected to make his return in November. Celebrini made a memorable NHL debut, scoring a goal and an assist, and the Sharks eagerly await his return to bolster their forward lines.
Thatcher Demko's presence is sorely missed by the Vancouver Canucks. The goaltender is recovering from a knee injury incurred during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and his absence is projected to last three to four weeks. With Demko out of the crease, the Canucks will need to rely heavily on their backup goaltenders to maintain stability between the pipes.
The Colorado Avalanche are dealing with a plethora of injuries. Gabriel Landeskog continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Artturi Lehkonen is on the mend following shoulder surgery. However, the Avalanche's struggles don't end there; Ross Colton faces a six to eight-week recovery from a broken foot, and Miles Wood is dealing with an upper-body issue. These injuries have significantly depleted Colorado’s roster depth and could alter their postseason ambitions.
The Anaheim Ducks are without their starting goaltender, John Gibson, who is recuperating from appendectomy surgery. Meanwhile, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is in recovery mode following ankle surgery. The St. Louis Blues face the entire season without Torey Krug, due to ankle surgery, and Robert Thomas is managing a fractured ankle, compromising their efforts in crucial fixtures.
Challenges Across the League
Elsewhere, the Buffalo Sabres' Zach Benson deals with a lower-body injury, and the Seattle Kraken's Vince Dunn has been stricken with a mid-body injury. The Toronto Maple Leafs are coping with the loss of Calle Jarnkrok to a lower-body injury, affecting their forward depth.
In addition, Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is out with an upper-body injury, while John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club is nursing a similar concern. The Edmonton Oilers face further adversity with Evander Kane recovering from hip and hernia surgeries, adding to their list of sidelined stars.
Vancouver's Dakota Joshua has a unique and personal battle, overcoming a diagnosis of testicular cancer. His courageous journey adds a poignant human element to the sports narrative, highlighting the resilience beyond the ice rink.
As these teams navigate the early season challenges, the resolve of both players and coaching staff is crucial. How these teams adapt to their changing rosters and maintain competitiveness in the highly demanding NHL schedule remains to be seen. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether these teams can withstand the trials of adversity and emerge stronger, setting the stage for a compelling saga in this NHL season.