As the puck drops on the 2024-25 NHL season, teams are already grappling with the harsh reality of significant player injuries. The opening weeks have been a minefield for elite hockey players, with several star athletes sidelined due to various ailments.
McDavid's Ankle Setback
Edmonton Oilers' talisman, Connor McDavid, has been hit with an early-season setback. McDavid suffered an ankle injury on October 28 during a clash with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fans of the Oilers, and indeed of hockey in general, are holding their breaths as McDavid is estimated to be out for two to three weeks. This timeline suggests he could miss crucial games early in the season, with expectations pointing to about five to six absences.
Celebrini’s Brief Debut Cut Short
Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks may have hoped for a smooth start to the season, but fate had other plans. After just one game, Celebrini finds himself on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. Fortunately for the Sharks, Celebrini’s return is anticipated sometime in November, offering a glimmer of hope amid the wave of injuries.
Goaltending Challenges for the Canucks
Vancouver Canucks’ goaltender Thatcher Demko is another key player dealing with early season difficulty. Demko is facing a three to four-week absence owing to a knee injury. This blow to the Canucks' last line of defense could prove challenging as the team looks to establish momentum in the fiercely competitive league.
Landeskog's Extended Absence
In Colorado, the Avalanche are still without captain Gabriel Landeskog, who hasn't played since 2022. Landeskog’s prolonged absence is due to a series of knee-related surgeries, including arthroscopic knee surgery and cartilage transplant surgery. The team is hopeful for his eventual return, which should significantly bolster their roster depth and leadership on the ice.
Surgical Setbacks
The Anaheim Ducks have seen their goaltender John Gibson undergo appendectomy surgery, sidelining him at a critical juncture. In Buffalo, Zach Benson is dealing with a lower-body injury, while in Colorado, forward Artturi Lehkonen is recovering from shoulder surgery.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are contending with the absence of Erik Gudbranson, who is out due to an upper-body injury. Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane is on the recovery path from hip and hernia surgeries, marking a significant hit to their on-ice offensive capabilities.
Injury Clouds Across the League
The injury list reads like a who’s who of hockey talent across multiple franchises. Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is recovering from ankle surgery, and New York Islanders’ forward Anthony Duclair is nursing a lower-body injury. The St. Louis Blues' roster is impacted by both Torey Krug, who has undergone ankle surgery, and Robert Thomas, sidelined with a fractured ankle.
Seattle Kraken’s Vince Dunn is contending with a mid-body injury, while Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is managing issues with a lower-body condition. Further, John Marino, currently playing for the up-and-coming Utah Hockey Club, is recovering from an upper-body injury.
Inspirational Recoveries
Perhaps one of the most inspirational recovery stories is that of Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks, who is in recovery following a successful battle against testicular cancer. His return to the ice will not just provide a motivational boost to his team but also serve as an inspiring narrative to fans and fellow athletes alike.
The NHL season is long and grueling, and injuries are an expected, if unfortunate, part of the game. Each team will be challenged not only by the opposition they face but by the formidable task of keeping their rosters healthy and competitive. As players recuperate, franchises will need to dig deep into their lineups, relying on depth and strategy to navigate this early turbulence until their stars can shine on the ice once more.