The 2024-25 NHL season is in full swing, bringing with it both the excitement of the game and the inevitable injuries that impact teams across the league. High-profile players find themselves on the sidelines, and their absence is felt keenly by fans and teammates alike.
Aleksander Barkov's Timely Recovery
Aleksander Barkov, the steadfast captain of the Florida Panthers, suffered a lower-body injury during an October 9 matchup against the Ottawa Senators. The injury was sustained in an unfortunate incident while Barkov was defending against an empty-net goal. Florida head coach Paul Maurice conveyed 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 provides some hope to Panthers fans eagerly awaiting Barkov's return to bolster their lineup.
San Jose Sharks Short on Celebrini
Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks was another notable name who encountered a setback during training camp. Currently on the injured reserve list, Celebrini is expected to miss at least the following two games, leaving the Sharks to adjust their strategy in his absence.
Thatcher Demko's Playoff Setback
Vancouver Canucks' goalie Thatcher Demko faces a recovery period after sustaining a knee injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in a Game 1 clash against the Nashville Predators. Demko's road to recovery is anticipated to span three to four weeks, a timeline that Vancouver fans are closely monitoring, hoping for an effective comeback.
Continued Absence of Colorado's Landeskog
Colorado Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog remains off the ice following their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, he missed the entire 2022-23 season and is set to miss the upcoming season due to a cartilage transplant surgery. His prolonged absence is a significant blow to the Avalanche, who are also dealing with Artturi Lehkonen's placement on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
Injury Updates Across the League
In other parts of the NHL, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson is in recovery from appendectomy surgery, with expectations of returning in early November. Meanwhile, Yegor Sharangovich of the Calgary Flames is dealing with a lower-body injury that has placed him on the injured reserve list.
Edmonton Oilers fans are looking ahead to a February 2025 return for Evander Kane, who underwent hip and hernia surgeries. The timeline for Los Angeles Kings' defenseman Drew Doughty remains uncertain as he rehabilitates from ankle surgery.
Devils Facing Challenges
The New Jersey Devils are contending with injuries to key players. Luke Hughes suffers from a shoulder injury with an early November return projected, while Brett Pesce, who sustained a fractured fibula, is anticipated to be back in October 2024. These injuries are both a challenge to the Devils' defensive lineup.
Blues' Torey Krug Out for the Season
The St. Louis Blues announced that Torey Krug will miss the entire 2025-26 season after undergoing ankle surgery. The loss of Krug creates a significant void in their defense that the team must address as they move forward in the season.
Returns on the Horizon
As the league continues, players are preparing for their comebacks. Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is expected to return from a lower-body injury in late October 2024. Nick Bjugstad and John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club have different timelines, with Bjugstad eyeing an early November return from an upper-body injury, while Marino is anticipated back by mid-October.
On a more optimistic note, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is working towards a late October comeback following recovery from testicular cancer. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights are hopeful for William Karlsson's return in October 2024, despite maintaining secrecy around the specifics of his injury.
The start of the NHL season inevitably brings with it injuries and setbacks. However, teams are navigating these challenges with optimism, hopeful for the return of their key players and focusing on the resilience and depth that keep the competition alive and engaging