As the 2024-25 NHL season kicks into gear, several teams are feeling the pinch due to significant injuries impacting key players. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of hockey often leads to injured lists swelling at the outset of the season, and this year is proving no different.
Key Injuries Impacting Teams
Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers is one of the most prominent names currently sidelined. The skilled center suffered a lower-body injury during the October 9 game against the Ottawa Senators. In an unfortunate turn of events, the injury occurred while Barkov was defending an empty-net goal, showcasing the inherent risks players often face. Florida Panthers' head coach, Paul Maurice, offered some optimism regarding Barkov's potential return. “(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,” he noted, implying that recovery timelines may allow for his participation in the much-anticipated series.
The San Jose Sharks also find themselves without Macklin Celebrini, who sustained an injury during training camp. Currently placed on the injured reserve list, Celebrini's absence is expected to extend for at least the next two games. Meanwhile, Vancouver Canucks' goaltender Thatcher Demko is dealing with a knee injury carried over from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After injuring his knee in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, Demko's recovery is anticipated to stretch over three to four weeks. His absence puts the team in a challenging position as they begin their campaign without their first-choice netminder.
Colorado Avalanche Struggles
The Colorado Avalanche continue to grapple with the aftermath of injuries to star players. Gabriel Landeskog, whose last appearance was during their triumphant 2022 Stanley Cup victory, remains out of action. Following an arthroscopic knee surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 season, Landeskog is set to miss another season due to a cartilage transplant surgery. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen finds himself on injured reserve post-shoulder surgery, compounding the Avalanche's personnel challenges early in the season.
John Gibson's situation offers a glimpse of relief for Anaheim Ducks fans. The goaltender is recovering from appendectomy surgery, and a return is expected by early November. Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers' forward Evander Kane is on a longer recovery journey, with his return slated for February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries, leaving a significant void yet to be filled this season.
New Jersey Devils Injury Woes
The New Jersey Devils are not left unscathed either. Defense standout Luke Hughes is on the recovery trail from a shoulder injury, with an expected return in early November. Meanwhile, defense partner Brett Pesce is dealing with a fractured fibula, though he is anticipated to be back on the ice before the month ends, adding some much-needed depth to the Devils' defensive lineup.
Anticipated Returns
Several other names dot the NHL's injury landscape, with an array of return dates adding complexity to team strategies. Pittsburgh Penguins' Bryan Rust is overcoming a lower-body injury, while the St. Louis Blues announced that Torey Krug will miss the entire 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery. Toronto's Calle Jarnkrok is looking at a late October return timeline after recovering from a lower-body injury.
The Utah Hockey Club is encouraged by the near-term return of both Nick Bjugstad and John Marino. Bjugstad contends with an upper-body injury, targeting an early November comeback. Marino is expected to rejoin the ranks by mid-October, fortifying their lineup.
Among those valiantly fighting their way back, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is particularly noteworthy. Joshua is recovering from testicular cancer and is aiming for a late October return, illustrating a personal and professional determination that resonates beyond the rink. As for the Vegas Golden Knights, they're hopeful about William Karlsson's prospects for an October return despite an undisclosed injury.
These injuries, diverse in nature and degree, reflect the physical demands of the NHL and provide a continual reminder of the resilience required of these athletes. As the season progresses, the hope remains that these key players make expedient recoveries and can rejoin the high-paced action on the ice, bringing their indisputable talents back to eager fans and their respective teams.