The 2024-25 NHL season is off to an eventful start, as several teams are grappling with significant injuries to key players. These setbacks could impact the dynamics of the league as teams adjust to their changing rosters.
Florida Panthers Feels the Loss
The Florida Panthers are currently without their captain, Aleksander Barkov. Suffering a lower-body injury on October 9 while defending an empty-net goal against the Ottawa Senators, Barkov's absence is a considerable blow to the Panthers' lineup. Head coach Paul Maurice mentioned that Barkov is expected to be out for two to three weeks, stating, “(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.” The Panthers hope for his timely return, aiming for him to take part in the much-anticipated Global Series.
San Jose Sharks Face Early Challenges
The San Jose Sharks are also navigating the early season without one of their promising talents, Macklin Celebrini. He has been placed on the injured reserve list following an injury sustained during training camp. While Celebrini is anticipated to miss at least two games, the Sharks are optimistic about his quick recovery and return to the ice.
Setbacks in the West
Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks is dealing with lingering effects from a knee injury incurred during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Suffered in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, the injury sidelines Demko for an estimated three to four weeks. Vancouver will need to find ways to compensate for his absence in net as they aim to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
The Colorado Avalanche continue to tackle injury challenges with forward Gabriel Landeskog, who hasn't played since their 2022 Stanley Cup triumph. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, Landeskog missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season and is slated to sit out another season following cartilage transplant surgery. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen is recovering following shoulder surgery, further straining the Avalanche lineup.
Diverse Injuries Across the League
John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is expected back in early November after an appendectomy, providing some relief to the Ducks’ goaltending situation. Meanwhile, Yegor Sharangovich, a forward for the Calgary Flames, finds himself on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body issue.
Notably, veteran forward Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is looking at a February 2025 return after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries. The Oilers will miss Kane's presence and experience as they push through the regular season.
Drew Doughty, a stalwart for the Los Angeles Kings, is currently rehabbing from an ankle surgery with no definitive timetable for his comeback. The absence of such a pivotal defenseman undoubtedly impacts the Kings’ defensive strategies.
New Jersey Devils and More Predicament
In New Jersey, the Devils are managing without Luke Hughes, who nurses a shoulder injury but is projected for an early November return. They anticipate Brett Pesce, another key player, to rejoin the roster in October 2024 following a fractured fibula.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Bryan Rust is working his way back from a lower-body injury, while St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug will unfortunately miss the entire 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery, stymying the Blues' defensive plans.
Other players battling injuries include Toronto Maple Leafs' Calle Jarnkrok, expected to return late October 2024, and Utah Hockey Club's Nick Bjugstad, eyeing an early November return after an upper-body injury. Teammate John Marino is projected back by mid-October, while Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is courageously recovering from testicular cancer, aiming for a late October comeback.
Golden Knights Await Key Return
The Vegas Golden Knights are keeping a hopeful eye on William Karlsson's October 2024 return despite his undisclosed injury. His comeback is eagerly anticipated by a team focused on maintaining their momentum from last season.
As the early season unfolds, these injuries test the depth and resilience of involved teams. The response to these challenges could very well define the course of their seasons, as each management and coaching staff seeks to mitigate the impact of these absences. With the promise of player returns on the horizon, fans and teams alike remain optimistic for a turnaround as the season progresses.