The opening weeks of the 2024-25 NHL season have been punctuated by a series of injuries that are reshaping team dynamics across the league. As players battle both new and lingering ailments, teams must adjust their strategies and lineups accordingly to maintain competitiveness in the highly demanding NHL schedule.
Key Injuries Impacting Early Season Dynamics
Aleksander Barkov, a central figure for the Florida Panthers, sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 while valiantly defending against an empty-net goal in a matchup against the Ottawa Senators. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has estimated that Barkov will be out of action for two to three weeks. However, there's a glimmer of hope that Barkov might rejoin the team in time for the NHL Global Series in Finland come early November. “(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,” Maurice noted.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are currently missing the talents of Macklin Celebrini, who was injured during training camp. He is on the injured reserve list and is expected to sit out at least two games, putting him temporarily on the sidelines as the Sharks strategize his return.
The Vancouver Canucks are closely monitoring Thatcher Demko, who is grappling with a knee injury from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This issue flared up during Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, with recovery timelines set between three to four weeks.
Colorado Avalanche’s Ongoing Concerns
The Colorado Avalanche have been navigating a prolonged period without Gabriel Landeskog, their star forward, who has been sidelined since the team's 2022 Stanley Cup win. His absence is a result of arthroscopic knee surgery that saw him miss the entire 2022-23 season. A subsequent cartilage transplant procedure means Landeskog will also miss the current 2023-24 season. Further complicating the Avalanche’s roster challenges, Artturi Lehkonen remains on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
More Injuries Across the League
In the Pacific Division, John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is recovering from an appendectomy surgery. The team anticipates his return in early November. Similarly, Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames is dealing with a lower-body injury that has placed him on the injured reserve list.
Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane is expected to return to action by February 2025 as he recovers from hip and hernia surgeries. His absence leaves a notable gap in the Oilers' offensive lineup.
Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty is undergoing rehabilitation following ankle surgery. Although a specific timetable for his return has not been provided, his absence leaves a challenge for the Kings' defense.
Eastern Conference Players on the Mend
New Jersey Devils have their shares of misfortune, with Luke Hughes coping with a shoulder injury aiming for an early November return, and Brett Pesce working through recovery from a fractured fibula, targeting a comeback in October 2024. Pittsburgh Penguins' Bryan Rust is making strides to overcome a lower-body injury, though specifics on his return remain undetermined.
Likewise, the St. Louis Blues are bracing for the extended absence of Torey Krug, who will miss the entire 2025-26 season following an ankle surgery.
Recovery and Return Timelines
Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is expected to make his way back onto the ice by late October 2024 after recovering from a lower-body issue. Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club is dealing with an upper-body injury with a projected return in early November 2024, while teammate John Marino aims for a mid-October return.
Additionally, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks, recovering from testicular cancer, is targeting a return to the lineup in late October. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights are hopeful for William Karlsson’s reintegration into the team by October 2024 despite an undisclosed injury.
As the season progresses, the impact of these injuries continues to shape the rosters and strategies of NHL teams vying for supremacy. The potential returns of key players like Barkov and Demko promise to bring renewed energy and depth, while teams navigate these challenges with resilience and adaptability.