The NHL's 2024-25 season is underway, but as excitement builds among fans, injury woes continue to be a significant hurdle for many teams across the league. A number of high-profile players find themselves on the sidelines, affecting team strategies and putting the depth of rosters to the test.
Toronto Maple Leafs Injury Updates
The Toronto Maple Leafs are experiencing significant disruptions with star player Auston Matthews placed on injured reserve following an upper-body injury. The injury, retroactive to November 3, has already cost Matthews a crucial match against the Montreal Canadiens. Fans of the Leafs have their sights set on a possible return for Matthews in an upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, a highly anticipated match as the team battles to solidify their position in the standings.
Further impacting Toronto's lineup, Calle Jarnkrok was battling a lower-body injury, with expectations for his return set for late October. It remains crucial for the Leafs to maintain their form as they navigate through these injury setbacks.
Challenges for New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are also not immune to the injury bug. Key players like Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are facing a four-to-six-week recovery due to upper-body injuries. Additionally, the defense appears vulnerable with both Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov needing to manage day-to-day injuries, although these are considered minor. The Islanders are pinning hopes on the return of Anthony Duclair, beset by a lower-body injury, but expected back by December, to provide a much-needed boost to the lineup.
Vancouver Canucks Hopeful for Player Returns
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are awaiting the return of Thatcher Demko, whose knee injury has kept him out since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The franchise is hopeful for an early November return to shore up their goaltending situation. Dakota Joshua is also on a recovery path after overcoming testicular cancer, and his presence on the ice is anticipated imminently, offering an emotional boost to the squad.
Injury Challenges Across the League
Across the NHL, other teams are also navigating significant injuries. Carolina Hurricanes’ Frederik Andersen is dealing with a lower-body injury expected to keep him sidelined until mid-November. For the Colorado Avalanche, Gabriel Landeskog remains on the injured list with a knee injury, while Ross Colton's broken foot signals a six-to-eight-week recovery. Miles Wood adds to the Avalanche’s concerns with his upper-body injury, indicating a short-term absence of seven to ten days.
Columbus Blue Jackets are in a quandary over the uncertain timelines of Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner’s returns from their respective upper-body injuries. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers manage without Evander Kane, who is slated for a February 2025 return following surgeries on his hip and hernia. This absence leaves a considerable gap in their offensive setup.
Setbacks in St. Louis and Utah
St. Louis Blues see a more extended absence affecting their planning, with Torey Krug out post ankle surgery, projected to sit out until the 2025-26 season. Robert Thomas' indefinite absence due to a fractured ankle adds another layer of challenge for the Blues as they strive to maintain competitiveness in a tough division.
Similarly, the Utah Hockey Club confronts its set of issues, with John Marino dealing with an upper-body injury with an uncertain recovery period. Additionally, Sean Durzi is recovering from a shoulder injury that will keep him out for a substantial four-to-six months. These injuries undoubtedly test Utah’s adaptability and depth in their ongoing campaigns.
As the NHL season progresses, teams are grappling with the dynamic nature of sports injuries, forcing coaches and management to adjust strategies and rely on their bench strength. While the anticipation for player recoveries and returns back into form remains high, every game without key players becomes a test of resilience and innovation for numerous teams throughout the league.