NHL Faces String of Early Season Injuries
The 2024-25 NHL season has only just begun, but a cloud of misfortune looms over several teams with some of the league's top players already sidelined by injuries, reshaping expectations for the near future.
One of the most notable absences is Edmonton Oilers’ star Connor McDavid, who will be missing from the ice after suffering an ankle injury during an October 28 matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. As McDavid undergoes recovery, he is expected to be absent for two to three weeks, potentially missing five to six critical games for the Oilers. This comes as a significant blow to Edmonton, as McDavid is the cornerstone of their offensive strategy and a perennial favorite in the MVP conversation.
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have placed Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve following a lower-body injury he sustained after just a single appearance this season. Sharks' fans can look forward to Celebrini's return sometime in November, but his absence is felt as the team navigates the early challenges of the season without the promising young player.
In Vancouver, the Canucks will have to make do without the services of their dynamic goaltender, Thatcher Demko. A knee injury has ruled Demko out for three to four weeks, leaving the Canucks to rely on their backup options as they vie for standings in a competitive Pacific Division.
The Colorado Avalanche are facing their trials as well with the ongoing absence of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played a single game since the 2022 postseason. Landeskog underwent arthroscopic knee surgery along with a cartilage transplant surgery. His presence on the ice has been sorely missed, and while there is hope for his return, the timeline remains uncertain, testing the depth and resilience of the Colorado lineup.
John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks finds himself sidelined following an appendectomy. Yes, the surgery was successful, but with recovery timelines varying, his return remains tentative while the Ducks adjust to changes in their goaltending strategy.
Additionally, the Buffalo Sabres’ Zach Benson is dealing with a lower-body injury, adding to the injury woes spreading across the league. Another key figure from the Avalanche, Artturi Lehkonen, is out following shoulder surgery, indicating a tough start for Colorado's roster health.
Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is grappling with an upper-body injury, pulling him away from the ice temporarily. Further complicating matters for Columbus, the injury list continues to grow as teams adjust their strategies accordingly.
Edmonton Oilers' forward, Evander Kane, is in the midst of rehabilitation after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries. A timeline for his return has yet to be solidified, but there’s cautious optimism that he will be able to join McDavid soon in bolstering the Oilers' offense.
The Los Angeles Kings' defenseman, Drew Doughty, is on the mend from ankle surgery, while the New York Islanders have their own injury concerns with Anthony Duclair facing a lower-body issue. As both teams vie for key positions in their respective conferences, the absence of experienced players like Doughty and Duclair could prove pivotal.
In St. Louis, Torey Krug is recovering post-ankle surgery, and his teammate, Robert Thomas, is contending with a fractured ankle. This double blow has the Blues reassessing their strategy during these challenging early weeks. The Seattle Kraken’s Vince Dunn is dealing with a mid-body injury, adding another layer of complexity to team dynamics.
Calle Jarnkrok from the Toronto Maple Leafs is managing a lower-body problem, reminding fans of the team's enduring injury concerns over the years. Further out in Utah, John Marino is struggling with an upper-body injury, though his timeline for recovery remains optimistic.
Inspirationally, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is bouncing back after a battle with testicular cancer, a remarkable story that overshadows the league’s injury list with a reminder of resilience and determination.
As the NHL season unfolds, teams will need to balance short-term setbacks with long-term goals. The current rash of injuries poses challenges, but they also offer opportunities for team depth to shine and new talents to emerge. Fans and teams alike will be keenly watching the recovery journeys of these top players, as their return is crucial to their respective team's success and the thrilling competition the league is known for.