As the 2024-25 NHL season kicks into gear, the ice is not the only thing generating chills among fans and teams alike. A wave of injuries to key players has added unforeseen challenges to several franchises. These setbacks not only affect team dynamics but also shake up the predictions for how the season might unfold.
Aleksander Barkov's Setback
Florida Panthers veteran Aleksander Barkov finds himself sidelined early in the season. The forward sustained a lower-body injury in a matchup against the Ottawa Senators, an incident that occurred while he was defending against an empty-net goal. Head coach Paul Maurice provided an update saying, “(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.” This timeline offers a glimmer of hope for the Panthers as they anticipate his presence in a highly publicized international showcase.
Struggles in San Jose and Vancouver
The San Jose Sharks are dealing with an injury to one of their rising stars, Macklin Celebrini, who was added to the injured reserve list after an unfortunate injury during training camp. While Celebrini is set to miss at least the next two games, the Sharks are looking to fill the void and maintain form without their young talent.
Meanwhile, in Vancouver, goalie Thatcher Demko is out of action after aggravating a knee injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The injury, which occurred in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, has put Demko on a three-to-four week recovery schedule. For the Canucks, finding a reliable goaltending solution in his absence will be crucial.
Colorado and Anaheim Update
Gabriel Landeskog’s long list of trials continues. The Colorado Avalanche captain has not been on the ice since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, initially due to arthroscopic knee surgery that cost him the entire 2022-23 season. His absence extends through this season as well, following a complex cartilage transplant surgery. Additionally, his teammate, Artturi Lehkonen, is recovering from shoulder surgery and remains on injured reserve.
On the West Coast, Anaheim Ducks’ John Gibson is recuperating from appendectomy surgery. The star goalie is expected to return to the crease in early November, a timeline the Ducks hope will bring stability to their defensive lineup.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
The Calgary Flames face their own challenges with Yegor Sharangovich dealing with a lower-body injury, keeping him on the injured reserve list for the time being. Elsewhere, Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is on a lengthy path to recovery from hip and hernia surgeries, with an optimistic February 2025 return date outlined.
Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is navigating his recovery from ankle surgery. Although no specific return date has been announced, the Kings remain hopeful about his progress. Across in New Jersey, the Devils are dealing with their own injury woes as Luke Hughes recovers from a shoulder injury, eyeing a comeback by early November. Brett Pesce is also in the recovery phase after sustaining a fractured fibula, with an expected return in October 2024.
Navigating Challenges Across the League
Pittsburgh Penguins' Bryan Rust is overcoming a lower-body injury, and the St. Louis Blues face a significant long-term absence with Torey Krug, who will miss the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery.
Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs aims for a return in late October 2024 after managing a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, in Utah, Nick Bjugstad is set to return by early November 2024, battling an upper-body injury, while John Marino targets a mid-October comeback.
On a personal note, Vancouver Canucks’ Dakota Joshua is recovering from testicular cancer, with an eye on a late October return, showcasing not just physical but inspirational resilience.
Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights await William Karlsson’s return this October despite his ongoing battle with an undisclosed injury.
This tapestry of injuries paints a challenging picture for many NHL teams this season. While the road to recovery is fraught with complexities, each return promises to inject fresh energy and hope to lineups vying for dominance in what is shaping up to be an unpredictable NHL season.