The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with the excitement that draws fans back to the rink year after year. However, the opening weeks have also seen significant setbacks for several teams due to injuries to key players. The injury list reads like a who's who of NHL talent, impacting rosters across the league.
Aleksander Barkov: A Saintly Comeback?
One of the early-season concerns lies with the Florida Panthers, as they navigate a period without their captain, Aleksander Barkov. The centerman sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 during a matchup against the Ottawa Senators. The incident occurred while Barkov was defending against an empty-net goal, showcasing his dedication to the team even in challenging circumstances.
Florida's head coach, Paul Maurice, noted, “(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.” This timeline provides Panthers fans with a hopeful outlook, as Barkov's return would bolster Florida's offensive and defensive efforts significantly.
Challenge of Consistency for the Sharks
The San Jose Sharks face their challenges with the absence of emerging star Macklin Celebrini. Injured during training camp, Celebrini found himself on the injured reserve list, expected to miss at least the next two games. The setback disrupts the Sharks' plans for integrating young talent into their playstyle, a strategy they've been nurturing to rejuvenate their roster.
Demko’s Determination
Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks' standout goaltender, is no stranger to battling adversity. Following a knee injury sustained during the intense competition of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Demko’s rehab began after Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. His recovery is expected to span three-to-four weeks, leaving a sizeable gap in the Canucks' goaltending capabilities.
The Avalanche's Climb Back
For the Colorado Avalanche, news on Gabriel Landeskog has been bittersweet. The captain has been absent since their triumphant 2022 Stanley Cup victory, recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery that cost him the entire 2022-23 season. He will also miss the 2023-24 season following another knee surgery - a cartilage transplant - leaving Avalanche fans and teammates yearning for his return.
The team also contends with Artturi Lehkonen's absence following shoulder surgery, adding to the list of players on injured reserve that Colorado must manage.
Ducks and Flames in Recovery
The Anaheim Ducks have been without their mainstay in goal, John Gibson. Recovering from an appendectomy, Gibson is anticipated to make a comeback in early November. Similarly, Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames remains on the injured list due to a lower-body injury, a concern as the Flames aim to maintain their competitiveness in a challenging conference.
Oilers and Kings Face Extended Waits
Edmonton Oilers' winger Evander Kane is another player on an extended recovery timeline. After undergoing surgeries for hip and hernia repairs, Kane’s expected return is slated for February 2025, casting a long shadow on the Oilers' upcoming campaigns. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings are without defenseman Drew Doughty, who is rehabilitating from ankle surgery with no definitive timeline for rejoining the lineup.
Devils' Defensive Debacles
The New Jersey Devils are grappling with injuries on the defensive end. Luke Hughes, shelved with a shoulder injury, might return by early November. Brett Pesce's situation offers a brighter note for the Devils as he is expected back soon with a fractured fibula expected to heal, allowing him to return to action in October 2024.
Additional Challenges Across the League
Easing into this tumultuous period, the Pittsburgh Penguins look forward to Bryan Rust's return from a lower-body injury, providing a skilled wing to their lineup. St. Louis Blues have a long-term gap to fill with Torey Krug sidetracked for the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery.
Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club addresses simultaneous issues, with Nick Bjugstad contending with an upper-body injury and John Marino back in mid-October. The club also supports Dakota Joshua, whose return from a battle with testicular cancer is awaited possibly by late October.
In the Western Conference, the Toronto Maple Leafs' Calle Jarnkrok is slated for a comeback late in October, filling a critical role in their forward lines. Lastly, the Vegas Golden Knights anticipate William Karlsson’s return after dealing with an undisclosed injury, an optimism shared by their eager fan base.
As teams brace through these initial hurdles, the resolve and resilience displayed set the tone for what promises to be another remarkable NHL season. The return of these players will be key to their respective teams’ success, eagerly awaited by fans and coaches alike.