NHL Season 2024-25 Injury Report

The 2024-25 NHL season has started with a wave of challenges as several teams are grappling with significant injury setbacks to key players. These injuries have already begun to shape the early dynamics of the league, testing the depth and resilience of the affected teams.

Key Players Facing Injuries

For the New York Islanders, the absence of star player Mat Barzal is a major blow. Barzal is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is expected to be out for four to six weeks. Adding to the Islanders’ woes, defenseman Adam Pelech is also facing a similar recovery timeline due to an upper-body injury. Both players are crucial to the team’s strategy and on-ice performance.

The Islanders are not the only team feeling the pinch. Anthony Duclair is currently dealing with a lower-body injury. Additionally, Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are listed as day-to-day, complicating the lineup decisions for upcoming games.

Impact of Injuries Across the League

The Edmonton Oilers face a significant challenge with Connor McDavid expected to miss two to three weeks following an ankle injury sustained during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. McDavid’s absence leaves a void, both in leadership and in his unmatched capability to change the game’s momentum.

In San Jose, young sensation Macklin Celebrini is sidelined with a lower-body injury, expected to return in November. Celebrini made a memorable NHL debut, scoring both a goal and an assist, setting high expectations for his performance this season.

The Vancouver Canucks are also dealing with the absence of goaltender Thatcher Demko, who is recovering from a knee injury incurred during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His expected recovery time is three to four weeks, a significant period during which the Canucks will need to rely on their backup goaltending options.

Challenges for the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche find themselves in a tough spot, contending with multiple injuries within their roster. Forward Gabriel Landeskog remains out with a knee injury, while Artturi Lehkonen is on the mend from shoulder surgery. Ross Colton will be absent for six to eight weeks due to a broken foot. Furthermore, Miles Wood is facing an upper-body injury, compounding the team’s depth issues.

Other Notable Injuries

Goaltender John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is recuperating from appendectomy surgery, and the Buffalo Sabres' Zach Benson is dealing with a lower-body injury. The Los Angeles Kings’ defense struggles with Drew Doughty recovering from ankle surgery. Further east, Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues is out for the season following ankle surgery, while his teammate Robert Thomas is managing a fractured ankle.

The Seattle Kraken’s Vince Dunn is also absent due to a mid-body injury, while the Toronto Maple Leafs are without Calle Jarnkrok as he deals with a lower-body injury. Rounding out the list, Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets and John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club are both managing upper-body concerns. Edmonton’s Evander Kane is working through recovery from hip and hernia surgeries, and Vancouver’s Dakota Joshua is overcoming a diagnosis of testicular cancer.

These injuries not only affect the teams and their fans but also have broader implications for the competitive landscape of the NHL this season. Teams will need to adjust tactically and look to their extended rosters to fill crucial gaps left by these sidelined athletes. As the season progresses, how teams navigate these challenges will be a testament to their depth and adaptability.