The 2024-25 NHL season is unfolding with both the excitement of high-stakes competition and the apprehension brought about by a slew of significant injuries. Several prominent players find themselves sidelined, shifting team dynamics and affecting on-ice performances across the league.
Aleksander Barkov and the Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are grappling with the absence of their star center, Aleksander Barkov. Barkov sustained a lower-body injury in a match against the Ottawa Senators on October 9 while valiantly defending an empty-net goal. His absence is keenly felt as Paul Maurice, the team’s coach, has estimated a recovery period of about two to three weeks. The hope is to see Barkov back in action by early November, ideally suiting up for the Panthers’ NHL Global Series match in Finland. "He could return to the ice by early November, possibly for the Global Series in Finland, if not sooner," Maurice noted optimistically.
Injury Woes for the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks
The San Jose Sharks are without Macklin Celebrini, who was injured during training camp. Currently listed on injured reserve, Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are facing a critical setback with their goaltender, Thatcher Demko, suffering a knee injury. The injury, sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, has pegged Demko’s recovery time at three to four weeks. This creates a challenging period for the Canucks as they seek to solidify their defensive structure without their star netminder.
Long-term Absentees and Colorado Avalanche’s Struggles
Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche remains an enduring absence, his journey through recovery continuing since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. Having undergone consecutive surgeries, including a cartilage transplant, Landeskog missed the entire 2022-23 season and will also be sideline throughout the 2023-24 season. Compounding Colorado's woes, Artturi Lehkonen is also on injured reserve post-shoulder surgery. These absences test the depth of the Avalanche roster as they navigate the early months of the season.
Health Concerns across the League
The Anaheim Ducks await the return of goaltender John Gibson, who recently underwent appendectomy surgery. His recovery is on track for an early November return. Similarly, the Calgary Flames’ Yegor Sharangovich is dealing with a lower-body injury, leaving a temporary gap in their lineup.
The Edmonton Oilers are missing Evander Kane, with his recovery from hip and hernia surgeries expected to extend until February 2025. Such a prolonged absence leaves the Oilers relying heavily on their playmakers to maintain competitive momentum.
Eastern Conference Teams Face Challenges
For the Los Angeles Kings, Drew Doughty’s timeline for a return remains uncertain as he rehabs from ankle surgery. In New Jersey, the Devils are facing dual injury challenges. Luke Hughes is tackling a shoulder injury with a return projected for early November, while Brett Pesce is recovering from a fractured fibula, an injury expected to see him return in October 2024. These injuries necessitate strategic adjustments for the Devils as they aim for early season performances that exceed expectations.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are managing without Bryan Rust, who is overcoming a lower-body injury, and the absence of Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues, who is already ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season after ankle surgery.
Return Timelines and Hopes
Some teams anticipate imminent returns. Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is expected to resume action in late October 2024 following a lower-body injury. Similarly, for the Utah Hockey Club, Nick Bjugstad and John Marino are eyeing November and mid-October comebacks, respectively, each contending with their own injury recoveries.
The Vancouver Canucks are also looking forward to the return of Dakota Joshua, currently recovering from testicular cancer, with a late October return on the horizon. Meanwhile, for the Vegas Golden Knights, William Karlsson’s recovery is progressing, suggesting he could make an October 2024 return, though details of his injury remain undisclosed.
As teams navigate the throes of early-season challenges, the hope for a full-strength lineup remains potent across the NHL. The resilience and adaptability of these athletes and their teams will be crucial in defining the trajectory of their seasons as they aim for the ultimate goal of securing a playoff berth and competing for the Stanley Cup.