The 2024-25 NHL season has begun, and while the excitement of hockey’s return is palpable, several teams are contending with significant injuries to key players that could impact early season momentum and playoff aspirations.
Florida Panthers Face Temporary Loss of Barkov
The Florida Panthers are grappling with the absence of their star, Aleksander Barkov. Barkov sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators, attempting to protect an empty-net goal. His defensive prowess, crucial to the Panthers, will be missed for two to three weeks. Coach Paul Maurice has indicated there remains a hope Barkov will make a timely return for the NHL Global Series in Finland in early November. “(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 recovery timeline is being watched closely by both fans and team management, as they await their captain's impactful return to the ice.
Sharks and Avalanche Manage Injuries to Key Players
In San Jose, the Sharks have placed Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve following an injury during training camp. Expected to miss at least the next two games, Celebrini’s absence presents challenges as the Sharks adapt to the new season without his contributions on the ice.
The Colorado Avalanche are in the midst of navigating ongoing injuries from past seasons. Their star forward, Gabriel Landeskog, will miss another full season following a cartilage transplant surgery. His absence has been felt deeply since the team’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen is on injured reserve following shoulder surgery, further impacting the Avalanche’s roster depth as they begin their campaign to reclaim the Stanley Cup.
Canucks and Ducks Await Key Returns
Over in Vancouver, the Canucks goaltender, Thatcher Demko, is recuperating from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in a game against the Nashville Predators. With an estimated recovery period of three to four weeks, Demko’s return is tentatively slated for later this month, lending hope to improving the Canucks’ defensive stability.
In Anaheim, John Gibson’s recent appendectomy surgery has sidelined him with expectations for his return in early November. Gibson’s presence between the posts is a reassuring one for the Ducks, and his impending return could bolster the team's defensive capabilities as they navigate the early stages of the season.
More Injury Concerns Across the League
The league has seen injuries affect multiple other teams. Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames is dealing with a lower-body injury, while Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is projected to be out till February 2025 due to hip and hernia surgeries. Kane’s prolonged absence is a substantial blow to the Oilers’ offensive lineup.
Los Angeles Kings’ stalwart, Drew Doughty, is recovering from ankle surgery. His return remains indefinite, leaving a significant gap in the Kings’ defensive unit. Likewise, New Jersey Devils’ Luke Hughes is overcoming a shoulder injury, aiming for an early November return, while teammate Brett Pesce is expected to make a comeback this month after a fractured fibula.
Looking Toward Potential Returns
The Pittsburgh Penguins are managing without Bryan Rust, who is dealing with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs anticipate Calle Jarnkrok's return in late October, and the Utah Hockey Club is waiting for Nick Bjugstad to recover from an upper-body injury by early November. John Marino from Utah is expected back on the ice by mid-October, contributing to the team's ongoing strategies.
The Vancouver Canucks also have Dakota Joshua striving for a late October return following his battle with testicular cancer. His resilience is inspirational, as fans and teammates alike await his full recovery and contribution to the season. Additionally, the Vegas Golden Knights are monitoring William Karlsson’s situation, hoping for an October 2024 return despite his undisclosed injury.
These injuries are undoubtedly a significant talking point as the 2024-25 NHL season progresses. While teams prepare to adapt and fill the gaps in their lineups, the recovery and return of these players are keenly anticipated by fans, players, and team staff alike, as their presence could substantially alter the dynamics for each franchise moving forward.