The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with a flurry of excitement and, unfortunately for several teams, significant injuries that could impact their early performances. High-profile players are sidelined, presenting both challenges and opportunities for teams as they navigate the opening weeks.
Florida Panthers’ Captain Sidelined
The Florida Panthers have been dealt a blow with captain Aleksander Barkov suffering a lower-body injury. The injury occurred in an exhibition matchup on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators while Barkov defended an empty-net goal. Paul Maurice, head coach of the Panthers, has indicated Barkov’s absence could last two to three weeks. However, there is hopeful speculation that he might stage a return by the early November NHL Global Series in Finland, which could see him back on the ice sooner than anticipated.
San Jose Sharks Wrestle with Injuries
Down the coast in San Jose, the Sharks are navigating their roster with Macklin Celebrini on the injured reserve list due to an incident during training camp. While his exact period of absence is unclear, Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games, testing the Sharks’ depth as they look to find early season momentum.
Recuperating in Vancouver
Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko is another marquee player dealing with injury troubles. After sustaining a knee injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, Demko's recovery is pegged at an estimated three-to-four weeks. His return will be vital for the Canucks, who rely heavily on his goaltending prowess between the pipes.
Colorado Avalanche’s Long-Term Losses
The Colorado Avalanche have been managing without star Gabriel Landeskog since their triumphant 2022 Stanley Cup victory. After enduring an extended absence due to arthroscopic knee surgery, Landeskog's recovery journey continues as he tackles a cartilage transplant surgery that will see him miss the entirety of the 2023-24 season. Additionally, teammate Artturi Lehkonen finds himself on injured reserve following shoulder surgery, further complicating the team's lineup strategies.
Anaheim Ducks Await Gibson’s Return
Across in Anaheim, the Ducks are eagerly waiting for John Gibson's return as he recovers from appendectomy surgery. Projected to resume playing in early November, Gibson's comeback will be crucial in stabilizing the Ducks’ performance during the rigorous NHL schedule.
Injury Concerns in Calgary and Edmonton
The Calgary Flames have placed Yegor Sharangovich on the injured reserve list with a lower-body injury, amplifying their early-season challenges. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are contending with the significant absence of Evander Kane, who is expected to be out of action until February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. The Oilers will certainly miss Kane's on-ice contributions as they work to maintain competitiveness this season.
Other Injuries Around the League
Defensive stalwart Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is in the midst of rehabbing from ankle surgery, with no clear timeline for his return. The New Jersey Devils are also navigating injury hurdles, with Luke Hughes dealing with a shoulder injury and Brett Pesce expected to return from a fractured fibula within the month of October. Additionally, Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins experiences challenges with a lower-body ailment.
The St. Louis Blues are coping with the absence of Torey Krug, who has been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season following surgery on his ankle. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Calle Jarnkrok is eyeing a return in late October after recovering from a lower-body issue. Nick Bjugstad and John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club also remain out with John expected back by mid-October and Nick targeting a November return.
Finally, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks courageously returns to the game after battling testicular cancer, aiming for a late October return. The Vegas Golden Knights anticipate William Karlsson’s return in October despite an undisclosed ailment.
This opening volley of injuries sets a complex stage for teams as they continue to adjust their lineups and strategies in the face of adversity. The management of these injuries and the resilience of impacted teams will certainly add an intriguing layer to this year’s NHL narrative. Fans and franchises alike watch closely, hoping for speedy recoveries and impactful returns across the league.