As the NHL 2024-25 season begins, teams are navigating the rough waters of high-profile injuries impacting their rosters. These injuries, affecting key players across the league, promise to reshape team dynamics, strategies, and expectations for the season.
Aleksander Barkov's Timely Recovery
Florida Panthers' captain Aleksander Barkov suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Ottawa Senators on October 9. The injury happened under remarkable circumstances as Barkov was defending against an empty-net goal, showcasing his relentless dedication to the team. Head coach Paul Maurice estimated that Barkov would be sidelined for two to three weeks, optimistically suggesting, “(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.” For the Panthers, the presence of their captain in the Global Series is a sought-after boost.
Macklin Celebrini's Setback
Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks entered the new season with high expectations, but an injury sustained during training camp has placed him on the injured reserve list. Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games. This absence leaves a gap for the Sharks, who counted on his skills to invigorate their lineup early in the season.
Thatcher Demko's Crucial Absence
The Vancouver Canucks face their own challenges with goaltender Thatcher Demko plagued by a knee injury, incurred during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. Demko's absence is significant; he is expected to be out for three to four weeks. His recovery is crucial for the Canucks, as his performance between the pipes is often a determining factor in the team’s competitiveness.
Colorado Avalanche's Injury Woes
The Colorado Avalanche continue to mend their wounded lineup. Gabriel Landeskog, key to their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, remains out. Following arthroscopic knee surgery and missing the 2022-23 season, Landeskog is set to miss another season due to cartilage transplant surgery. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen remains on injured reserve after shoulder surgery, further stretching the Avalanche's depth.
John Gibson's Recovery
John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is on the mend from an appendectomy surgery. Known for his resilience, Gibson is anticipated to return by early November. His comeback is eagerly awaited as the Ducks look to capitalize on a fully fit roster.
Significant Injuries Across Other Teams
Evander Kane's return for the Edmonton Oilers is projected for February 2025 as he recovers from hip and hernia surgeries. Meanwhile, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is rehabilitating from ankle surgery with no explicit timeline for his return yet, unsettling the Kings’ defensive strategies.
The New Jersey Devils face their own hurdles with Luke Hughes out due to a shoulder injury, although early November marks his expected return. Brett Pesce's fractured fibula adds to their challenges; he targets an October 2024 return.
For the St. Louis Blues, Torey Krug's entire 2025-26 season loss following ankle surgery is a substantial blow, setting the team back in planning their defensive lineups.
Additional Key Returns to Watch
Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs anticipates a late October return from a lower-body injury, adding hope to their forward strategies. Nick Bjugstad and John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club are also significant figures in recovery, with Bjugstad targeting an early November return from an upper-body injury and Marino expected back by mid-October.
The Vancouver Canucks’ Dakota Joshua continues his recovery from testicular cancer, fighting for a return by the end of October, an inspiring development that resonates beyond the rink.
Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights have high expectations for William Karlsson’s return in October 2024, despite his undisclosed injury.
The league persists, seasoned by uncertainties that each injury brings, with coaching staff recalibrating lines and strategists adapting playbooks. These player return timelines will significantly test the resilience and depth of respective teams. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the evolving narratives that these injuries and subsequent recoveries bring to one of hockey's most exciting seasons in recent memory.