Injuries Shape the Narrative of the 2024-25 NHL Season
A Season Marred by Injuries
As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, injuries have become a significant storyline, impacting teams and fans alike. The season is far from business as usual, with several star players unable to lace up their skates due to a range of ailments.
Ovechkin's Chase Cut Short
Among the most notable is Alex Ovechkin, who was closing in on Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record before a lower-leg injury halted his progress. This week-to-week injury, triggered by a collision with Utah’s Jack McBain, means Ovechkin will miss vital games. Interestingly, despite being sidelined, the Capitals have not placed him on injured reserve, possibly hoping for a swift recovery.
Buffalo Sabres Struggles Intensify
The Buffalo Sabres are enduring a tough stretch, grappling with a daunting losing streak. Compounding their woes, Rasmus Dahlin, a key defenseman, has been missing in action for seven games due to pesky back spasms. There’s a glimmer of hope, however, as Dahlin might return when they face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday, December 20.
Injury Updates Across the League
Elsewhere, Trevor Zegras has been off the Anaheim Ducks’ roster since early December with a lower-body issue. The Boston Bruins continue to play without Hampus Lindholm, sidelined since mid-November. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche haven't seen Gabriel Landeskog since mid-2022 due to knee woes.
In Carolina, Frederik Andersen is managing a lower-body problem, though, like Ovechkin, he is not on injured reserve. The situation is similar with the New York Islanders, juggling without Anthony Duclair, while Mike Reilly takes to the ice despite dealing with upper-body concerns.
Challenges for the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs
The injury report continues with the San Jose Sharks, who have placed both Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture on injured reserve. Vlasic is out with upper-body injuries, and Couture is battling a groin problem. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are adjusting without Anthony Stolarz, sidelined following knee surgery, and Calle Jarnkrok, who has been absent since late September.
This wave of injuries, affecting some of the league's brightest talents, has put immense pressure on teams to adapt quickly. For fans and players alike, the hope remains that these stars will return to the ice soon, ready to make their mark as the season progresses.