The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with high anticipation, but teams are already grappling with significant injury challenges. Several key players are sidelined, and their absence is reshaping early season performances. From Aleksander Barkov to Drew Doughty, here’s a rundown of the current injury landscape affecting the league.
Aleksander Barkov's Timely Return Anticipated
Aleksander Barkov, the dynamic center for the Florida Panthers, is dealing with a lower-body injury sustained on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators. The injury happened in dramatic fashion as Barkov was defending against an empty-net goal. Paul Maurice, the Panthers' head coach, provided an optimistic timeline: “(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 timeframe would make Barkov available just in time for a global showcase, enhancing his impact and adding excitement for fans and team alike.
Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks' Troubles
The San Jose Sharks are also facing early adversity. Macklin Celebrini, a promising young talent, was injured during training camp and has been placed on the injured reserve list. Although specific details surrounding his injury remain scant, Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games. His return will be closely monitored as the Sharks seek to solidify their roster.
Demko's Knee Woes Continue
In Vancouver, the Canucks are managing the absence of their star goaltender, Thatcher Demko. His recovery from a knee injury, sustained during Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators, is ongoing. Demko’s expected recovery period of three to four weeks places his return in the latter half of this month, leaving the Canucks reliant on their backups to maintain defensive stability.
Long-term Absences for Avalanche Stars
The Colorado Avalanche are in a more challenging position with Gabriel Landeskog out since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. Landeskog underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, further complications required a cartilage transplant surgery, sidelining the forward for the 2023-24 season as well. Artturi Lehkonen is another concerning absence for the Avalanche, as he remains on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
Diverse Setbacks Across the NHL
John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is recovering from an appendectomy and is projected to return in early November, stabilizing the Ducks' situation between the pipes. Similarly, Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils is projected to make an early November return after healing from a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, his teammate Brett Pesce, dealing with a fractured fibula, is set to return in October 2024, providing the Devils a timeline to plan around.
Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues present contrasting timelines. Rust works to overcome a lower-body injury with hopes for an imminent return, while Krug will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery, leaving a significant gap in the Blues' defensive lineup.
Health Challenges Beyond Injuries
Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is recovering from testicular cancer, aiming for a late October return. His potential comeback is a story of resilience and hope as he looks to rejoin his team. Similarly uplifting is the anticipated return of William Karlsson for the Vegas Golden Knights, who is dealing with an undisclosed injury but expected back this month.
The Utah Hockey Club faces its own challenges, with Nick Bjugstad contending with an upper-body injury and targeting an early November 2024 return. Meanwhile, John Marino is expected to re-enter action mid-October, offering some relief to the club's lineup woes.
Projecting Comebacks and Concerns
Elsewhere, the Calgary Flames hope for the swift return of Yegor Sharangovich from a lower-body injury, while the Edmonton Oilers anticipate Evander Kane's comeback by February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. The Los Angeles Kings remain cautious regarding Drew Doughty’s rehabilitation from ankle surgery, with no set timeframe for his return.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are counting down the days until Calle Jarnkrok completes his rehabilitation from a lower-body injury later this month, eager to reintegrate him into their offensive strategies.
As the season progresses, these injuries underscore the physical demands of the NHL and the resilience required by both players and teams. Balancing recovery with competition, these athletes are not just managing injuries but embodying the perseverance and dedication intrinsic to the sport.