The 2024-25 NHL season is underway, captivating fans with its customary mix of excitement and unpredictability. However, a series of high-profile injuries have also cast a shadow over the start of the season, affecting numerous teams and altering the dynamics of the league.
Significant Setbacks
Aleksander Barkov, the talented center for the Florida Panthers, has found himself sidelined barely out of the gates. After sustaining a lower-body injury during a valiant defensive effort on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators, Barkov is now expected to miss two to three weeks. Florida Panthers’ head coach Paul Maurice offered some hope, estimating Barkov’s return to coincide with the team’s early November NHL Global Series match in Finland. This timeline gives Panthers fans a sliver of hope that their captain will be back in action soon.
The San Jose Sharks are navigating their own injury woes with Macklin Celebrini being placed on the injured reserve list. Celebrini, who was injured during training camp, is anticipated to miss at least the next two games. As the Sharks recalibrate their strategies in his absence, the focus will be on ensuring a speedy recovery.
Veterans on the Mend
Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks is grappling with a knee injury that traces back to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The injury, sustained during Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, necessitates a recovery period of three to four weeks. The Canucks are hoping for a swift recovery for Demko, whose performances will be crucial to their aspirations this season.
Colorado Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog continues to rehab from a lengthy absence post their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. After missing the entire 2022-23 season due to knee issues, Landeskog is now out for the 2023-24 season following a cartilage transplant surgery. Fellow teammate Artturi Lehkonen faces his own challenges, recovering from shoulder surgery and currently on injured reserve.
Concerns Across the League
The Anaheim Ducks’ netminder, John Gibson, is recovering from an appendectomy, with an expected return in early November. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames have placed Yegor Sharangovich on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury, adding to the team’s current challenges.
Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is also in recovery, with February 2025 marked on the calendar for his return post hip and hernia surgeries. In Los Angeles, the Kings are closely monitoring the rehab of Drew Doughty, who is recovering from ankle surgery without a set timetable for his return.
Devils and Penguins Brace for Impact
In New Jersey, the Devils face a mixed bag of injury news. While Luke Hughes works through a shoulder injury with an early November return in sight, Brett Pesce is on the mend from a fractured fibula sustained earlier in the year and is expected to return in October 2024.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are dealing with the absence of Bryan Rust, who is overcoming a lower-body injury, leaving the team to adapt in his absence.
Other Notable Absences
Scenarios are similarly difficult in St. Louis where Torey Krug, a crucial defensive asset for the Blues, will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery. Meanwhile, in Toronto, Calle Jarnkrok is anticipated to return by late October 2024 following a lower-body injury recovery.
The newly established Utah Hockey Club has its own injury challenges, as Nick Bjugstad is contending with an upper-body injury. However, there is optimism regarding John Marino, who is expected back by mid-October, providing a much-needed boost to the lineup.
Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks exemplifies resilience. Recovering from testicular cancer, Joshua is targeting a late October return, marking an encouraging step forward for the player and team alike.
The Vegas Golden Knights await the return of William Karlsson, who is battling an undisclosed injury with hopes of getting back on the ice by October 2024.
As the NHL season progresses, these injuries present ongoing challenges and opportunities for teams and players. The spotlight will be on how these franchises navigate the setbacks, adapt their strategies, and harness the depth of their rosters in the relentless pursuit of success in the world’s premier hockey league.