As the NHL's 2024-25 season forges ahead, teams are grappling with significant injuries stretching rosters thin and reshaping lineups. A myriad of players are sidelined, underscoring the relentless physical demands of the sport. Each team is handling their respective challenges as key players are benched due to a variety of ailments.
Capitals Face Setback with Ovechkin Injury
In Washington, the Capitals are dealing with the absence of Alex Ovechkin, who sustained a lower-leg injury after a collision with Utah forward Jack McBain. This pivotal event occurred on November 18, 2024, marking Ovechkin as week-to-week. His injury follows a long history of resilience in his celebrated career, and the Capitals are undoubtedly feeling the pressure as they navigate their games without their star player.
Demko's Anticipated Return Offers Hope for Canucks
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are awaiting the return of goaltender Thatcher Demko. Demko has been battling knee issues stemming back to last season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hopes are high for his return in early December, which would bolster Vancouver’s defensive line as they aim to mitigate the impact of his absence in the first two months.
Injury Woes Continue Across the League
The Boston Bruins are not spared either, as they manage the absence of Hampus Lindholm, currently on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. The defensive gaps left by Lindholm's absence are a concern as the team works to stabilize their lineup.
For the Colorado Avalanche, injuries to key players Ross Colton and Gabriel Landeskog pose significant challenges. Colton is sidelined with a broken foot, while Landeskog is still struggling with a knee injury that has kept him out since June 26, 2022. These injuries strain the team as they come off recent strong performances.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have upper-body injuries plaguing Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner. Jenner’s prolonged absence since March 28, 2024, adds to the team’s difficulties in maintaining competitive performance on the ice.
Detroit Red Wings face a dual challenge with injuries to both of their goaltenders, Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot. Talbot, however, is not placed on injured reserve despite his lower-body ailment, suggesting an attempt to expedite his return.
Rehabilitation Timelines and Future Returns
Other notable injuries include Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane, who has recently undergone hip and hernia surgeries, keeping him away from the rink until February 2025. Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings are without Drew Doughty due to ankle surgery, placing additional pressure on their defensive strategies.
Mats Zuccarello of the Minnesota Wild is facing a 3-4 week absence with an upper-body injury, while the New York Islanders’ roster is heavily impacted with Anthony Duclair, Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Mike Reilly all dealing with various injuries.
The Philadelphia Flyers are also hindered by the loss of Jamie Drysdale and Samuel Ersson, both on injured reserve. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug will remain out for the rest of the season due to ankle surgery, dealing a blow to their defensive line.
The San Jose Sharks are working to manage their ongoing issues with Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture on the injured list, and the Seattle Kraken are counting the days until Jordan Eberle’s return from pelvic surgery, anticipated in February 2025.
Addressing The Gaps in Lineups
Toronto Maple Leafs have reported lower-body injuries among Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Pacioretty. Meanwhile, in Utah, injuries to John Marino, dealing with an upper-body injury, and Sean Durzi, recovering from a shoulder injury expected to keep him out for 4-6 months, complicate strategies as they look to maintain their early season pace.
As teams navigate the ongoing challenges, these injuries underscore the depth required to withstand the rigors of a demanding NHL season. Each team continues to assess their respective situations, drawing on reserve players and strategic rotations to stay competitive while hoping for the timely recoveries of their key players. The complex shuffle of athletes highlights the unpredictability of a season that is as much a test of resilience as it is of skill and strategy.