As the puck drops on the 2024-25 NHL season, teams across the league are grappling with significant injury challenges, impacting their strategies and roster configurations. The Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, and Colorado Avalanche are just a few clubs fending off the injury bug, as they strategize to make the most of a promising yet uncertain season.
Toronto's Trouble with Injuries
The Toronto Maple Leafs are staring down the prospect of competing without their star center, Auston Matthews, who has been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body issue. Retroactively applied from November 3, this injury ruled Matthews out of a crucial game against divisional rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. However, hope is on the horizon as Matthews could make his return as soon as a pivotal matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
Adding to Toronto's injury list, Calle Jarnkrok, another key player, was expected to bounce back from a lower-body injury late in October. The Maple Leafs are eagerly anticipating the return of both players to re-fortify their roster as they navigate the season's challenges.
Islanders’ Recovery Roster
The New York Islanders are also navigating turbulent waters with multiple injuries hampering their defense. Key figures such as Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are expected to be on the recovery bench for four to six weeks with upper-body injuries. Despite this setback, minor day-to-day injuries to defensemen Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are less concerning, suggesting a quicker return.
Moreover, Anthony Duclair is sidelined with a lower-body ailment, keeping him out of action until December. These absences will test the depth and resilience of the Islanders' squad as they aim to maintain competitive form in the coming weeks.
Vancouver’s Hopes for November
Vancouver Canucks’ Thatcher Demko, who sustained a knee injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, remains a focal point of the team’s hopes. Set for a return in early November, Demko's presence could prove pivotal as the Canucks aim to bolster their defensive game.
Meanwhile, Dakota Joshua's inspiring recovery from testicular cancer offers a beacon of hope. His imminent return underscores the Canucks' optimism for a promising turnaround in their roster strength.
Injury Clouds in Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche are navigating a slew of injuries with Gabriel Landeskog still on injured reserve due to a knee issue. Ross Colton, another crucial missing piece, faces a six-to-eight-week recovery timeline following a broken foot. Additionally, Miles Wood is out for seven to ten days with an upper-body injury, intensifying the Avs' challenge as they seek to maintain momentum.
Injury Reports from Across the League
Beyond these individual team concerns, the league-wide injury report reads like a who's who of modern hockey. Columbus Blue Jackets contend with uncertainty as Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner remain sidelined with unspecified upper-body injuries.
On a more concerning note, the Edmonton Oilers are charting a substantial wait for Evander Kane's return post-hip and hernia surgeries, slated for February 2025. Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings are anxiously monitoring Drew Doughty's recovery from an ankle injury, while the St. Louis Blues face long-term absences with Torey Krug's ankle surgery ruling him out until the next season and Robert Thomas dealing with a fractured ankle.
In Utah, the Hockey Club has been hit hard with John Marino nursing an upper-body injury and Sean Durzi facing a four-to-six-month recovery from a shoulder injury.
As injuries loom large over the NHL’s latest season, the resilience of teams is being tested early. How these franchises adapt to these setbacks will shape the initial chapters of what promises to be a riveting 2024-25 campaign.