The start of the 2024-25 NHL season has unfortunately been marred by a series of injuries to some of the league's top talents, leaving fans and teams concerned about the impacts these absences might have on early performances. As the season progresses, the list of sidelined stars includes big names who could influence their respective teams' standings in the early race for playoff positioning.
Key Players Sidelined
Among the most notable injuries is that of Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' standout forward, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. This occurred following a clash during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. The injury will have McDavid out of action for an anticipated two to three weeks. The Oilers, as a result, are bracing to compete in potentially five to six games without their captain, a challenge that will test the depth and resilience of their roster.
Adding to the league's injury woes is Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, who has been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury after participating in just one game this season. Celebrini, highly touted for his potential, is expected to make his return sometime in November, leaving the Sharks to navigate the early season challenges without the promising player.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Vancouver Canucks have been hit with the loss of their goaltender, Thatcher Demko, due to a knee injury. Demko’s absence, projected to last three to four weeks, places pressure on the Canucks' goaltending depth, making it crucial for backup options to step up during his recovery period.
Long-term and Post-surgery Recoveries
Gabriel Landeskog, the captain of the Colorado Avalanche, remains absent from the lineup, continuing a long recovery process from knee issues that date back to 2022's postseason. His recovery included undergoing both arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant—serious procedures that illustrate the lengthy path back to form. In Landeskog's absence, the Avalanche will continue to lean on their remaining core to maintain competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson has undergone appendectomy surgery, temporarily removing him from the action. Similarly, Colorado's Artturi Lehkonen is out following shoulder surgery, further narrowing the available roster for the Avalanche. These key players will aim for full recoveries before making their much-anticipated returns.
Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane is another significant name recovering from surgeries, including hip and hernia procedures. The Oilers are likely strategizing on how best to adapt their gameplay while waiting for their full complement of stars to be game-ready.
Additional Injury Challenges
The injury list extends to notable players from other teams as well. Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is in recovery from ankle surgery. The Kings will be without their defensive stalwart as his recovery progresses. Similarly, the St. Louis Blues are managing without Torey Krug and Robert Thomas—Krug having undergone ankle surgery and Thomas dealing with a fractured ankle.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Islanders' Anthony Duclair is grappling with a lower-body injury, and the Buffalo Sabres' Zach Benson is also sidelined with a lower-body concern. These teams will have to adjust their strategies accordingly, potentially relying on younger talent and call-ups to fill the gaps.
Health Durations and Unknowns
Columbus Blue Jackets' Erik Gudbranson has been benched due to an upper-body injury, while Vince Dunn of the Seattle Kraken struggles with a mid-body injury—a term less commonly heard but no less impactful regarding player absence. Toronto Maple Leafs' Calle Jarnkrok is managing a lower-body issue, impacting the Leafs' rotation and playing strategy.
In Utah, where the hockey club is less frequently in the spotlight, John Marino faces an upper-body injury, affecting his availability for the team's matchups. Furthermore, a story beyond typical sports injuries comes from Vancouver's Dakota Joshua, who is on a recovery journey from testicular cancer, reminding us of the personal battles athletes may face beyond the rink.
This early season rash of injuries highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the critical importance of depth and resilience for teams as they face the long grind of the NHL season. Each of these teams will need to find solutions within their ranks or potentially make strategic moves to fill the voids left by these injured players. Fans and teams alike will hope for a swift return to health for these athletes, each of whom holds a significant role in their team's quest for success this season.