The NHL's 2024-25 season has kicked off with excitement on the ice, but for many teams, the thrill is tempered by a spate of injury setbacks that threaten to reshape the competitive landscape early on. The early part of the season is proving especially challenging for several franchises as key players find themselves on the injured list.
Injury Woes Across Teams
The New York Islanders are facing a particularly tough start, missing their star player Mat Barzal due to an upper-body injury. His absence is projected to endure for four to six weeks, leaving a significant gap in the Islanders' offensive lineup. Adam Pelech is also on a similar recovery timeline, as he deals with an upper-body injury of his own. Meanwhile, teammates Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are listed as day-to-day, contributing to the team's concern about maintaining defensive stability.
Across the continent, the Edmonton Oilers are feeling the absence of their cornerstone player Connor McDavid. Following an ankle injury sustained during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28, McDavid is expected to miss two to three weeks. His absence poses a significant challenge for the Oilers, who heavily rely on his playmaking and scoring abilities.
The injury bug has also bitten the San Jose Sharks as Macklin Celebrini is sidelined with a lower-body injury. The promising forward, who made a memorable NHL debut with a goal and an assist, is anticipated to return in November. The Sharks will have to adjust their strategies as they await his return to form.
Challenges in the Western Conference
For the Vancouver Canucks, Thatcher Demko’s knee injury is a lingering concern. After sustaining the injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Demko's recovery is expected to last three to four weeks. His absence leaves a crucial void between the pipes for the Canucks, emphasizing the team’s need to tighten up defensively until their primary netminder returns.
The Colorado Avalanche are facing multiple setbacks themselves. Gabriel Landeskog remains out with a knee injury, while Artturi Lehkonen is in recovery following shoulder surgery. Ross Colton is expected to miss six to eight weeks due to a broken foot, adding to the challenges the Avalanche face in maintaining their competitive edge. Furthermore, Miles Wood is managing an upper-body injury, each player's absence testing the team's depth.
The Anaheim Ducks are navigating life without John Gibson, who is recovering from appendectomy surgery, a procedure that has placed the Ducks’ goaltending duties primarily on their backups.
Eastern Conference Encounters
The Buffalo Sabres, who are eager to make a playoff push, have had to adapt without Zach Benson, who is grappling with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is recuperating from ankle surgery, an absence felt deeply given his role on the blue line.
In St. Louis, the Blues face a daunting situation with Torey Krug ruled out for the season following ankle surgery. Robert Thomas is also dealing with a fractured ankle, setting back the Blues’ aspirations considerably. Their contingent of injured players has forced the team to look for alternative leadership and creativity in the lineup.
For the Seattle Kraken, Vince Dunn’s mid-body injury has positioned the team in a challenging early season predicament. His play anchors the defense, and his absence is arguably as impactful as any offensive loss.
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs are without forward Calle Jarnkrok, sidelined by a lower-body injury, affecting their depth scoring potential.
Additional Team Setbacks
The Columbus Blue Jackets' defensive mainstay Erik Gudbranson is dealing with an upper-body injury. Such losses have challenged the team to adapt quickly to maintain their competitiveness.
Continuing in injury battles, John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club finds himself nursing an upper-body concern, while Edmonton's Evander Kane is on the mend from hip and hernia surgeries.
Off the ice, there’s heartening news as Dakota Joshua of Vancouver continues to overcome a testicular cancer diagnosis. His progress is closely followed by fans and peers alike, underscoring the human spirit present in the sports world.
The myriad of injuries across the league highlights the physical demands of the NHL and the resilience required of both teams and players. As teams adjust, new opportunities arise for emerging talent to step into the limelight, ensuring that this season remains compelling despite its rocky start.