As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, it brings with it a series of significant injuries that are affecting team dynamics across the league. Fans and teams are keenly monitoring the status of several key players whose injuries could shape the competitive landscape in the coming months.
Key Injuries to Watch
Aleksander Barkov, the captain of the Florida Panthers, suffered a lower-body injury on October 9 during a match against the Ottawa Senators. The incident occurred as Barkov was defending an empty-net goal, and his absence is a substantial blow to the Panthers. Head coach Paul Maurice noted that, “(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 San Jose Sharks are also grappling with injury concerns. Macklin Celebrini, a promising talent, was placed on the injured reserve list after sustaining an injury during training camp. He is expected to miss the next two games, leaving the Sharks without his services at a critical early juncture of the season.
In Vancouver, the Canucks are managing the fallout from a knee injury to their star goaltender Thatcher Demko. The injury, which Demko suffered in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs during Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, is likely to sideline him for three-to-four weeks. This places pressure on the Canucks’ backup goaltending situation as they navigate the early season games without their starting netminder.
Extended Absences and Long-Term Recoveries
Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog remains a long-term absentee, having been out since their 2022 Stanley Cup triumph. Landeskog underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2022-23 season. Further setbacks followed, and he's slated to miss the entire 2023-24 season after undergoing a cartilage transplant surgery. His absence continues to be felt by the Avalanche as they aim for consistency in the new season.
Similarly, fellow Avalanche player Artturi Lehkonen is sidelined following shoulder surgery, contributing to the team's injury woes.
Other notable injuries include John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, who is recovering from appendectomy surgery. Gibson is eyeing a return in early November, which could help stabilize the Ducks’ goaltending situation as they look to improve upon last season’s performance.
Injury Challenges Across the League
The Calgary Flames are managing without Yegor Sharangovich, who is on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is expected to remain out until February 2025 after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries, presenting a significant challenge regarding depth and scoring for the Oilers.
In Los Angeles, Drew Doughty is rehabbing from ankle surgery. The Kings have not provided a specific timeframe for his return, a situation that leaves the team working to fill the defensive gap.
The New Jersey Devils are dealing with injuries to two key players. Luke Hughes is recovering from a shoulder injury but is projected to make an early November return. Additionally, Brett Pesce sustained a fractured fibula, with an anticipated return later this October, adding both short-term and medium-term concerns for the Devils’ defensive setups.
The Pittsburgh Penguins face a similar challenge with Bryan Rust as he recovers from a lower-body injury, with his return crucial to the team’s offensive strategies.
Season Impacts and Team Strategies
Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues will be absent for the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery, leaving a significant hole in their defensive lineup moving forward, which they must strategize around immediately.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calle Jarnkrok is anticipated to return in late October after dealing with a lower-body injury, a development that will bolster their forward lines. Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club and John Marino are both addressing their respective injuries, with Marino expected back by mid-October, offering some reprieve for the team's management.
Additionally, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is aiming for a late October return as he recovers from testicular cancer. His return brings hope not only for the Canadian side but also as an emotional lift for his teammates and supporters.
Ultimately, the Vegas Golden Knights await William Karlsson’s return in October after dealing with an undisclosed injury, keen to reintegrate him into their roster as they seek to defend their Stanley Cup title.
The landscape of the NHL is undoubtedly affected by these injuries, with teams challenged to adapt and strategize in the absence of key players. As the season progresses, the impacts of these injuries will continue to be a focal point for fans and analysts alike. Each team's resilience and depth will be tested as they navigate these early-season obstacles.