The 2024-25 NHL season has commenced with teams scrambling to adapt to a slew of injuries impacting some of their most pivotal players. Notably, several key figures across the league are facing significant time off the ice due to various ailments and surgeries.
Florida Panthers Hit with Early Setback
Aleksander Barkov, the dynamic captain of the Florida Panthers, suffered a lower-body injury on October 9 while defending an empty-net goal against the Ottawa Senators. This untimely setback is a blow to the Panthers as they navigate the early weeks of the season. Head coach Paul Maurice noted, “(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.” As Barkov's leadership is critical both on and off the ice, the Panthers eagerly await his return.
San Jose and Vancouver Facing Goalie Dilemmas
The San Jose Sharks have placed Macklin Celebrini on the injured reserve list after he sustained an injury during training camp. Celebrini is anticipated to miss at least the next two games. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are monitoring Thatcher Demko, who is recovering from a knee injury incurred during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Demko's injury, originating from Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, is projected to sideline him for three to four weeks, creating a gap between the posts for the Canucks.
Colorado Avalanche's Continuing Injury Woes
The Colorado Avalanche are dealing with long-term injuries affecting their roster composition. Gabriel Landeskog, a cornerstone of the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup triumph, remains absent following a protracted recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2022-23 season. In an unfortunate turn of events, Landeskog will sit out the 2023-24 season due to a cartilage transplant surgery. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen is on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery, compounding the team's injury challenges.
Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames Eye Returns
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson is on the mend following an appendectomy and is marked for an early November return. This timeline aligns closely with Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames, who is also on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury. The Flames are hopeful for Sharangovich's return to bolster their forward lineup.
Significant Injuries Across Other Teams
In Edmonton, the Oilers are preparing for a lengthy absence of Evander Kane, who is rehabilitating from hip and hernia surgeries. Kane is not expected back in the lineup until February 2025. Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings are in a holding pattern as veteran defenseman Drew Doughty recuperates from ankle surgery, with no specific timeframe for his return. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are dealing with dual setbacks; Luke Hughes is out with a shoulder injury and is projected to return in early November, while Brett Pesce is recovering from a fractured fibula, expecting to rejoin the team in October 2024.
Looking to the east, Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins is overcoming a lower-body injury. Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues is set to miss the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery, impacting the Blues’ defensive depth.
Return Timelines for Other Key Players
The Toronto Maple Leafs are counting down the days for Calle Jarnkrok’s expected return from a lower-body injury in late October 2024. Meanwhile, Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club is dealing with an upper-body injury and aims for an early November 2024 return, whereas teammate John Marino is projected back by mid-October.
Injury Updates from Vancouver to Vegas
The Vancouver Canucks' Dakota Joshua continues his recovery from testicular cancer, with a hopeful return planned for late October. Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights are eager for William Karlsson to make his anticipated return in October 2024, despite the specifics of his injury remaining undisclosed.
As the season unfolds, these injuries serve as a stark reminder of the unforeseen challenges teams contend with in pursuit of hockey glory. Each team will need to navigate these obstacles carefully, hoping for swift recoveries and successful returns to maintain their competitiveness in the league.