The 2024-25 NHL season is underway, but several teams are grappling with significant injuries impacting team strategies and player rosters. The Toronto Maple Leafs, for instance, are dealing with a major setback as their star player, Auston Matthews, is out due to an upper-body injury. Placed on injured reserve retroactively to November 3, Matthews missed the critical game against the Montreal Canadiens. However, fans hope for his return in the upcoming face-off with the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
In addition to Matthews, the Leafs have been without Calle Jarnkrok, who is recovering from a lower-body injury. His anticipated return was expected in late October, offering some relief to the Toronto squad.
Islanders' Injury Challenges
Similarly, the New York Islanders are contending with injuries that could disrupt their early-season momentum. Key players Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are sidelined, both facing a recovery period of four to six weeks due to upper-body injuries. Defensive depth has taken a further hit with Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov dealing with day-to-day minor injuries.
The Islanders also look forward to the return of Anthony Duclair, out with a lower-body injury, by December. His absence underscores the challenges head coach Lane Lambert faces as he juggles team formations in the early months of the season.
Recovery Efforts in Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks have their own injury woes, notably with goaltender Thatcher Demko, who has been grappling with a knee injury since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Demko is projected to make his season debut by early November, which would serve as a significant boost to Vancouver's defensive line-up.
In a more hopeful development, Dakota Joshua has been recovering from testicular cancer, with an imminent return expected. His comeback would be a much-needed moral boost for the team, providing depth and versatility.
Significant Losses in Colorado and St. Louis
The Colorado Avalanche face a daunting task ahead with several players on the injury list. Gabriel Landeskog remains on injured reserve with a knee injury, a blow to the Avalanche's offensive capabilities. Ross Colton's six-to-eight-week absence due to a broken foot and Miles Wood's seven to ten days sidelined with an upper-body injury compound their challenges.
The St. Louis Blues are not spared from severe blows either. Torey Krug's ankle surgery sees him out for the entirety of this season, targeting a return the following year. Robert Thomas suffers from a fractured ankle, ruling him out indefinitely and casting uncertainty over his role this season.
Other Noteworthy Absences
In the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers will have to forge ahead without Evander Kane, recovering from hip and hernia surgeries. His expected return in February 2025 places additional pressure on other forwards to step up.
The Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty is benched due to an ankle injury, with no clear timeline for his return. The veteran's absence could impact the Kings' defensive stability in upcoming match-ups.
Elsewhere, the Columbus Blue Jackets are monitoring the recovery of Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner, both dealing with unspecified upper-body injuries. The lack of a fixed return date adds to the team's uncertainties.
Meanwhile, the Utah Hockey Club deals with its own set of challenges. John Marino's unspecified upper-body injury dampens their defensive arsenal, and Sean Durzi's shoulder injury means he will be out for a significant four-to-six-month period.
As the NHL season kicks into high gear, teams across the league are navigating the difficulties posed by these injuries. While injuries are part and parcel of the sport, their timing, particularly early in the season, can create formidable challenges as teams strive to establish their game rhythm and carve out winning records.