The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with high expectations and a tsunamic wave of injury setbacks impacting several key players across the league. As the puck drops for what promises to be a thrilling season, teams are grappling with the challenge of filling gaps left by sidelined stars.
Aleksander Barkov's Absence and the Panthers' Global Ambitions
The Florida Panthers are feeling the absence of their captain, Aleksander Barkov, who sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 in a game against the Ottawa Senators. The injury occurred during a defensive play against an empty-net goal, leaving the Panthers temporarily without their star forward. Head coach Paul Maurice provided insight once back on the ice, noting, “(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.” Barkov’s potential early return could significantly bolster Florida's ambitions, especially in front of Finnish fans hungry to watch their hometown hero.
Western Conference Teams Grapple with Key Injuries
The San Jose Sharks have also had their pre-season aspirations disrupted as Macklin Celebrini finds himself on the injured reserve list following a training camp mishap. The Sharks can expect his absence to span at least two games—their plans for an early shake-up on offense slightly curtailed.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks have been awaiting the recovery of Thatcher Demko, who suffered a knee injury in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs during Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. The Canucks are hopeful Demko will rejoin their ranks in approximately three-to-four weeks, as his presence in the net is pivotal to their competitive edge.
Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche continues to be absent from the lineup since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. His long-term absence continues following arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant, which has entirely sidelined him from the previous season and the current one as well. Fellow Avalanche player Artturi Lehkonen is also dealing with lingering shoulder issues, adding to the team’s hurdles early this season.
Injury Woes from Coast to Coast
The Anaheim Ducks’ goaltender, John Gibson, is on the mend following an appendectomy surgery. With an anticipated return in early November, the Ducks will look to tread water until their starting goalie can return to action.
Evander Kane's situation with the Edmonton Oilers is notably severe, as he is recovering from hip and hernia surgeries that have set his expected return to February 2025. This extended absence forces the Oilers to bank on depth players stepping up in critical roles.
Drew Doughty, a veteran defenseman for the Los Angeles Kings, is undergoing rehab from ankle surgery. While a specific return is yet to be determined, his leadership and experience remain crucial to the Kings' blue line.
Devils and Beyond: Injuries Impacting the East
The New Jersey Devils are managing their roster around injuries to Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce. Hughes is nursing a shoulder injury with hopes for a November return, while Pesce's fractured fibula projects an earlier return within October 2024.
Across the Eastern Conference, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Bryan Rust is fighting through a lower-body injury. The team is counting on Rust's quick recovery to bolster their offensive roster. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs expect Calle Jarnkrok back in late October, boosting their depth just as seasonal competition heats up.
A Story of Perseverance for Several Players
The Utah Hockey Club faces similar challenges with Nick Bjugstad’s upper-body ailment, targeting an early November return, and with John Marino possibly joining the lineup by mid-October. The Canucks’ Dakota Joshua is battling back from testicular cancer, displaying resilience and aiming for a late October comeback.
Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights awaits the return of William Karlsson, anticipated in October despite the undisclosed nature of his current injury.
As the season progresses, these injuries underscore the unpredictability and intensity of the NHL. Teams and players are resiliently navigating setbacks, hoping for well-timed returns that may well dictate the momentum of the 2024-25 NHL season. For fans and competitors alike, each injured player’s road to recovery adds a layer of drama and anticipation to the evolving narrative of this dynamic hockey season.