The 2024-25 NHL season is just getting started, and already the league is finding itself grappling with a slew of significant injuries. As teams make an early push towards establishing themselves in the standings, injury updates are dominating headlines, with several key players sidelined across the league.
Wild Injury Woes
The Minnesota Wild are facing substantial challenges, particularly in maintaining a healthy roster. On December 31, stalwart defenseman Jared Spurgeon was injured during a matchup against the Nashville Predators following a collision with Zachary L'Heureux. According to reports, Spurgeon’s absence will be extended, leaving a notable gap on their blue line.
Only a few days later, on January 7, Brock Faber suffered an upper-body injury against the St. Louis Blues. Fortunately for the Wild, Faber's condition has been categorized as day-to-day, suggesting he may return to action sooner rather than later. However, the team remains cautious, aiming to ensure no further aggravation occurs.
Adding to their troubles, star forward Kirill Kaprizov has been on injured reserve since December 23. Although he has resumed skating, Kaprizov has yet to be cleared for game action, leaving fans eagerly waiting for his return. His comeback on the ice is essential for Minnesota, especially if they hope to compete at the highest level in the coming weeks.
Across the League
It's not just the Wild dealing with injuries. The Boston Bruins are missing Hampus Lindholm, who finds himself on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. His absence is expected to last several weeks, potentially challenging the Bruins' defensive depth during a crucial part of the season.
Meanwhile, over in Anaheim, Trevor Zegras of the Ducks is also sidelined with a lower-body injury. Zegras, known for his offensive creativity, is a vital component of the Ducks' offensive strategies, and his absence is likely to affect their performance as they navigate through the season.
The Colorado Avalanche find themselves without Gabriel Landeskog, who is out due to a knee injury. Adding to their concerns, Jonathan Drouin is recovering on a week-to-week basis from an upper-body injury. The Avalanche will need to rely on the depth of their roster to maintain their competitive edge as these players recover.
Long-Term Absentees
Some players are facing much longer recovery periods. Tyler Seguin of the Dallas Stars is still recovering from hip surgery and might be out for up to six months. His absence leaves a substantial void in the Stars’ lineup, raising questions about how the team will fill this critical playmaking role in the interim.
Similarly, the Edmonton Oilers are awaiting the return of Evander Kane, who has targeted a February 2025 comeback after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries. His return is eagerly anticipated, as Kane’s aggressive style of play makes him a key asset to the Oilers’ offensive prowess.
The St. Louis Blues will be without Torey Krug until the 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery, a significant blow to their defense. Additionally, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is facing a prolonged absence, further exacerbating the team's defensive struggles.
Lastly, Anthony Stolarz of the Toronto Maple Leafs is expected to be out of the lineup until February 2025 following knee surgery. The Leafs will need to adapt their goaltending strategy to cope with his absence during a crucial stage of the season.
Conclusion
As these key players focus on their recovery, teams across the NHL are tasked with adapting strategies and making adjustments. The early phase of the NHL season is typically a time for setting the pace, and the impact of these injuries will undoubtedly ripple through the standings as teams work to overcome these early setbacks. Each organization will need to call upon its depth and resilience if they hope to thrive despite their struggles with injury.