Injuries Plague NHL's 2024-25 Season: Stars Sidelined Across the League
The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with intensity, yet it’s the wave of injuries affecting key players across the league that has captured the spotlight. As teams navigate their challenging schedules, they must now also contend with significant absences and adapt quickly to the changing dynamics on the ice.
The Washington Capitals are grappling with the loss of their star player, Alex Ovechkin. The veteran forward, famed for his unrelenting pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record, is currently sidelined with a lower-leg injury. This setback comes following an unfortunate collision with Utah forward Jack McBain. While Ovechkin's injury is classified as week-to-week, offering some hope for a swift return, the Capitals are proceeding cautiously, choosing not to place him on injured reserve—yet. His absence is keenly felt as the team aims to maintain momentum in a fiercely competitive league.
The Buffalo Sabres, meanwhile, are enduring an arduous season with a substantial losing streak hanging over the team. Their struggles are compounded by the absence of Rasmus Dahlin, who has been sidelined for seven games. Persistent back spasms have removed the defenseman from the lineup, though he may make his return against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 20. His comeback could provide a much-needed boost to a team in dire need of inspiration and leadership on the ice.
Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras is another top performer unable to contribute due to a lower-body injury, marking his absence since early December. Similarly, Hampus Lindholm of the Boston Bruins has not taken to the ice, having been out with a lower-body issue since mid-November. These key figures' injuries have had notable impacts on their teams’ performances.
In Colorado, the lengthy absence of Gabriel Landeskog continues as knee issues have kept him out of action since mid-2022. His long-term unavailability poses strategic challenges for the Avalanche as they navigate the season without their influential leader.
Carolina Hurricanes' Frederik Andersen is battling a lower-body injury but remains off injured reserve, indicating the Hurricanes expect his return sooner rather than later. In New York, the Islanders are managing without Anthony Duclair due to a lower-body injury, while Mike Reilly plays through upper-body concerns, reflecting the resilience often demanded by professional athletes.
On the west coast, the San Jose Sharks face hurdles without Marc-Edouard Vlasic, who is on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, as well as Logan Couture, sidelined with a groin issue. The Toronto Maple Leafs, too, find themselves short-staffed; Anthony Stolarz is out following knee surgery, and Calle Jarnkrok is sidelined since late September, impeding the consistency in their lineup.
The persistent stream of injuries across the league highlights the physical toll of the sport, providing a challenging backdrop as teams strive for success. The return of these star players will not only be crucial to their respective franchises but may also shift the landscape of the ongoing season. Hockey fans and pundits alike watch with bated breath, awaiting the impact of their returns and the subsequent shake-up within the league standings.