The National Hockey League's much-anticipated 2024-25 season is underway, but the return to ice is marred by a slew of injuries affecting key players and shaping team rosters across the league. From the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche, the impact of these absences is palpable, influencing strategy and team dynamics significantly.
Maple Leafs' Challenges
Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs' star forward, finds himself on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. The setback, retroactively dated to November 3, has sidelined him from crucial matchups, including a noteworthy game against the Montreal Canadiens. Despite the setback, Matthew's potential return is slated for an upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators, offering a glimmer of hope for Maple Leafs fans eager for his presence on the ice.
Meanwhile, the Leafs are buoyed by the anticipated return of Calle Jarnkrok. Expected back in late October from a lower-body injury, Jarnkrok's presence comes as a potential boost as the team navigates its injury-laden lineup.
Islanders' Injury List
The New York Islanders are similarly embroiled in injury concerns. Key players like Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are on recovery timelines extending from four to six weeks due to upper-body injuries. Their absence is compounded by minor day-to-day injuries to defensemen Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov, although these are not considered long-term concerns.
Another significant absence for the Islanders is Anthony Duclair, who faces a hiatus from play due to a lower-body injury, with expectations for his return set for December.
Vancouver Canucks' Setbacks
The Vancouver Canucks are navigating the season without the full strength of goaltender Thatcher Demko. Still grappling with a knee injury since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Demko's projected return in early November is eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, Dakota Joshua's inspiring recovery from testicular cancer suggests an imminent return, adding a layer of resilience to the Canucks' narrative.
Injury Woes Across Teams
Elsewhere, the Carolina Hurricanes contend with the absence of Frederik Andersen, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury until mid-November. The Colorado Avalanche are facing multiple injuries with Gabriel Landeskog on the injured reserve due to a lingering knee issue, and Ross Colton out with a broken foot, sidelining him for up to eight weeks. Miles Wood, dealing with an upper-body injury, is also expected to be absent for a short span of seven to ten days.
The Columbus Blue Jackets face uncertainties as Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner recover from upper-body injuries with unclear timelines for their return. Similarly, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings remains off the ice with an elusive return date due to an ankle injury.
Anticipated Comebacks and Long-term Absences
Among the notable injuries, the Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane's absence looms large. Following hip and hernia surgeries, Kane's entertainment-quality play is expected back in February 2025, while the St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug faces a lengthy recovery from ankle surgery, keeping him out until the 2025-26 season. Adding to the Blues' challenges, Robert Thomas is out indefinitely with a fractured ankle.
Beyond the NHL, Utah Hockey Club's John Marino deals with an upper-body injury and Sean Durzi confronts a substantial four-to-six month hiatus due to a shoulder injury.
As the NHL teams brace for further challenges, the resilience exhibited by these athletes and management will continue to script riveting storylines as they strategize to fill the gaps left by injured stars. The road to recovery is as intriguing as the matches, and as the season unfolds, fans anticipate the return of their favorites, whose absence has been keenly felt on the ice.