The 2024-25 NHL season, still in its infancy, is already being shaped by significant injuries to key players across the league. Teams are grappling with the absence of some of their stars, which could potentially influence the standings as the season progresses.
Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov Sidelined
The Florida Panthers face an early test as their captain, Aleksander Barkov, is sidelined following a lower-body injury sustained on October 9th against the Ottawa Senators. In a display of commitment to his team, Barkov was injured while defending an empty-net goal. Head Coach Paul Maurice has estimated that Barkov will be out for two to three weeks. However, there's optimism in the Panthers' camp that he could return in time for their NHL Global Series match 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," he said.
Injury Concerns for San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks
The San Jose Sharks have been dealt a blow with Macklin Celebrini placed on the injured reserve list following an injury during training camp. Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games, a setback for the Sharks as they navigate the early part of their schedule without him.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are also contending with injury woes. Goaltender Thatcher Demko is recovering from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, specifically in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. The Canucks are monitoring his recovery closely, with a three-to-four-week timeline placed on his return to play.
Problems Persist for Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog, once a pivotal player during their triumphant 2022 Stanley Cup run, continues his extended absence since their victory. Having undergone arthroscopic knee surgery, he missed the entire 2022-23 season. A recent cartilage transplant surgery means Landeskog will also be missing throughout the 2023-24 season, leaving a substantial void in the Avalanche lineup.
The Avalanche's injury report doesn't end there. Artturi Lehkonen is on injured reserve due to shoulder surgery, adding to the team's challenges as they look to regain their standing as league contenders.
Key Recoveries and Ongoing Rehabilitations
Among other notable injuries, John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is on the mend following an appendectomy. Gibson, a key figure between the pipes for the Ducks, is anticipated to make a return to the lineup in early November. Calgary Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich is also on the injured reserve list, grappling with a lower-body injury.
In Edmonton, the Oilers will have to make do without the services of Evander Kane for a significant part of the season. Following hip and hernia surgeries, Kane is not expected to return until February 2025. The Los Angeles Kings are facing uncertainty over Drew Doughty's return as he rehabs from ankle surgery, with no clear timetable set.
Anticipation Builds for Players Eyeing Return
The New Jersey Devils are keenly awaiting the return of Luke Hughes, battling a shoulder injury with a projected early November return date. Brett Pesce, also of the Devils, is on the road to recovery from a fractured fibula, with expectations of an October 2024 comeback.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bryan Rust is steadily overcoming a lower-body injury, while the St. Louis Blues have a long road ahead without Torey Krug, as he is set to miss the entire 2025-26 season following ankle surgery.
Nick Bjugstad and John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club have had their own injury struggles, but the team hopes to see them return by early and mid-October, respectively. Additionally, the Canucks' Dakota Joshua is bravely battling back from testicular cancer, targeting a return in late October.
Finally, the Vegas Golden Knights are staying optimistic about William Karlsson's return in October 2024 as they monitor his situation closely, even though the exact nature of his injury remains undisclosed.
As the NHL season unfolds, teams and fans alike are hopeful to see these players return to their full potential, knowing that each comeback could drastically alter the dynamics in the race for the playoffs.