As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, several teams find themselves navigating the early challenges of player injuries, impacting lineups and strategies across the league. These injuries cast a significant shadow over the start of the season, as teams aim to manage their rosters effectively in the face of unexpected absences.
Aleksander Barkov's Timely Return Hopes
The Florida Panthers captain and star center Aleksander Barkov suffered a lower-body injury during a matchup with the Ottawa Senators on October 9. The incident occurred as Barkov was valiantly attempting to defend against an empty-net goal. According to Panthers’ Head Coach Paul Maurice, Barkov will likely be sidelined for two to three weeks. However, there remains a possibility that he could return to the ice sooner, potentially gracing his home fans in Finland during the NHL Global Series in 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.”
San Jose Sharks Face Setback with Macklin Celebrini
Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks found himself on the injured reserve list even before the puck dropped for the regular season. With an injury sustained during training camp, Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games. This untimely setback adds to the concerns for the Sharks as they look to establish early-season momentum.
Thatcher Demko's Playoff Injury
The Vancouver Canucks are missing the services of their goaltender, Thatcher Demko, who is dealing with a knee injury incurred during their 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs opening game against the Nashville Predators. Demko’s recovery is anticipated to take three to four weeks, leaving the Canucks in a tight spot as they navigate their goalie roster and aim to maintain a strong start in his absence.
Colorado Avalanche's Ongoing Injury Woes
The Colorado Avalanche continue to manage without captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played since their victorious 2022 Stanley Cup run. After arthroscopic knee surgery caused him to miss the entire 2022-23 season, Landeskog faced further complications, undergoing a cartilage transplant surgery that rules him out for 2023-24 as well. Adding to the Avalanche’s challenges, Artturi Lehkonen is on injured reserve following shoulder surgery, further testing the team's depth.
John Gibson and Luke Hughes Eyeing Returns
Across the league, the Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson undergoes recovery from appendectomy surgery, with hopes for a return to action by early November. Similarly, the New Jersey Devils' young defenseman Luke Hughes is contending with a shoulder injury but is projected to make his comeback in early November. Hughes’ presence is crucial for the Devils as they aim to fortify their defense.
Notable Timetables and Recovery Paths
Evander Kane's absence looms large for the Edmonton Oilers; the power forward is not expected to return until February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings’ Drew Doughty is in rehab from ankle surgery, with no definitive timetable yet provided for his return.
In Pittsburgh, Bryan Rust is overcoming a lower-body injury, and the St. Louis Blues have confirmed that Torey Krug will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, a late October return is anticipated for Calle Jarnkrok after recovering from a lower-body injury.
Other Teams and Player Adjustments
The Utah Hockey Club is also dealing with injury issues as Nick Bjugstad grapples with an upper-body injury, eyeing an early November return, while fellow teammate John Marino is expected back by mid-October.
There is a heartening recovery story from Vancouver, where Dakota Joshua is aiming for a late October return following his courageous battle with testicular cancer. Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights hold out hope for William Karlsson’s return despite an undisclosed injury, tentatively planned for October 2024.
As the NHL season progresses, these injuries will continue to test the resilience and adaptability of the affected teams. Managing these absences effectively will be crucial for maintaining early season form and ensuring long-term competitiveness. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see which teams can best navigate this initial injury storm as they continue their quest for the coveted Stanley Cup.