Early Injury Struggles Mark NHL's 2024-25 Season
The NHL's 2024-25 season has kicked off with a litany of injury setbacks that have brought early challenges to several teams. As the players hit the ice, the physical demands of the game have already taken a significant toll.
Islanders Face Significant Loss with Key Absences
The New York Islanders find themselves hindered by crucial injuries that threaten to impact their early season form. Star player Mat Barzal is sidelined due to an upper-body injury, expected to keep him off the ice for four-to-six weeks. The Islanders must also reckon with the absence of Adam Pelech, who is recovering from a similar timeline for an upper-body injury. The addition of Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov being listed as day-to-day only adds to the Islanders' early woes.
Edmonton Oilers Hit Hard with McDavid's Ankle Injury
Out west, the Edmonton Oilers are grappling with the temporary loss of Connor McDavid. The Oilers' centerpiece is expected to miss two-to-three weeks following an ankle injury sustained in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. Meanwhile, Evander Kane is recuperating from hip and hernia surgeries, further stretching the Oilers' resources.
San Jose Sharks Face Early Setbacks
The San Jose Sharks are dealing with the absence of Macklin Celebrini, who is recovering from a lower-body injury. Celebrini, who marked his NHL debut with a goal and an assist, is expected to return in November, offering a glimpse of hope for the Sharks as they navigate this challenging start.
Vancouver and Colorado Manage Significant Injuries
Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks remains on the recovery path following a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His absence is projected to last three-to-four weeks, a significant period for a team relying heavily on his prowess in the net. Dakota Joshua is also overcoming a major health challenge following a testicular cancer diagnosis, showcasing a remarkable spirit both on and off the ice.
The Colorado Avalanche are not spared from the injury crisis. Gabriel Landeskog continues to be out with a knee injury, while Artturi Lehkonen recuperates from shoulder surgery. Additionally, Ross Colton is facing six to eight weeks off the ice due to a broken foot, and Miles Wood is contending with an upper-body injury.
Liga Rivals Struggle with Fitness Woes
Elsewhere, John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is recovering from appendectomy surgery, potentially affecting the team's stability between the posts in the early portion of the season. In Buffalo, Zach Benson's lower-body injury adds to the Sabres' headaches, while the Los Angeles Kings face the challenge of Drew Doughty's recovery from ankle surgery, impacting their defensive lineup.
For the St. Louis Blues, the loss of Torey Krug to season-ending ankle surgery and Robert Thomas' fractured ankle present formidable hurdles to overcome. Meanwhile, Vince Dunn of the Seattle Kraken and Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs are both on the mend, dealing with mid-body and lower-body injuries, respectively. Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets and John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club join the list of players nursing upper-body concerns.
The echoes of these injuries resonate across the league, painting a stark picture of the season's physical demands. For teams and fans alike, this serves as a reminder of the resilience needed to contend in the rigorous NHL world. As the season unfolds, eyes are on how teams adapt to these challenges, hoping for the swift and successful return of their sidelined stars.