The National Hockey League (NHL) kicks off its 2024-25 season amid a storm of injuries affecting teams across the league, challenging rosters and coaching strategies as some of the game's biggest stars and pivotal players remain sidelined. As fans eagerly anticipate their favorite players taking to the ice, teams must navigate the early season's challenges, hoping to maintain competitive play without key contributors.
Major Concerns for Toronto Maple Leafs
Notably, the Toronto Maple Leafs face significant adjustments with Auston Matthews, one of their star players, currently on injured reserve. Matthews has been out since November 3 due to an upper-body injury, which saw him miss a crucial game against the Montreal Canadiens. However, there is hope on the horizon for the Maple Leafs, as Matthews is eligible for a return in their upcoming match against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
Adding to the Leafs' concerns, Calle Jarnkrok was expected to return from a lower-body injury in late October, which could provide some relief and depth to their roster as they strive to improve their standing early in the season.
Injury Challenges Persist for New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are similarly plagued, with multiple players facing extended recovery periods. Both Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are dealing with upper-body injuries, sidelining them for four to six weeks. Meanwhile, defensemen Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are nursing minor, day-to-day injuries, which should see them return soon.
Further compounding their difficulties, Anthony Duclair is out with a lower-body injury but is expected to make his comeback by December, which could bring a much-needed boost to the Islanders' lineup.
Vancouver Canucks' Key Players Out
The Vancouver Canucks are also feeling the pinch with Thatcher Demko recovering from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He is hoped to make an early November return, a timeline that the Canucks' management will be keenly watching. Dakota Joshua's recovery from testicular cancer adds a unique and personal narrative to the team's list of challenges, with expectations for his imminent return further bolstering team morale.
Diverse Injury Timelines Across the League
The Carolina Hurricanes face a temporary setback with goaltender Frederik Andersen. Out with a lower-body injury, Andersen’s return is pinned for mid-November, which could affect the team’s defensive strategies in the meantime.
In Colorado, the Avalanche's roster is also hindered. Gabriel Landeskog continues his recovery from a knee injury while Ross Colton faces a lengthy six-to-eight-week absence due to a broken foot. Moreover, Miles Wood's upper-body injury might keep him off the ice for seven to ten days, testing Colorado's adaptability in these crucial opening months.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are dealing with uncertainties around Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner's return from upper-body injuries, which muddles their strategic plans and roster configurations, necessary for facing early-season opponents.
Long-term Recovery for Several Players
Some players, like the Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane, are out for extended periods, with his return planned for February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. Such situations put additional pressure on the coaching staff to maintain competitive form without star power.
The Los Angeles Kings’ Drew Doughty faces an uncertain recovery timeline from an ankle injury. Similarly, the St. Louis Blues must cope with the long-term absence of Torey Krug, necessitating adjustments after his ankle surgery sets his return in the 2025-26 season. Adding to the Blues' woes, Robert Thomas is out indefinitely with a fractured ankle.
Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club must plan without John Marino, grappling with an undefined recovery timeline from an upper-body injury. Sean Durzi’s shoulder injury leads to a more extended four-to-six-month hiatus, forcing the team to adapt and find interim solutions quickly.
As the NHL season gains momentum, the dynamic of team rosters shifting due to injuries becomes a critical story, affecting standings and team chemistry. The return of injured stars like Matthews, Demko, and Barzal can ignite hope and bring new energy, yet until then, teams will need to rely on their depth and adaptability to overcome early-season hurdles.