The 2024-25 NHL season is off to a tumultuous start as a series of injuries have sidelined some of the league's top talent. Among the high-profile players facing early-season setbacks is Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' star forward, who is grappling with an ankle injury sustained in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. This unfortunate incident is expected to keep McDavid off the ice for two to three weeks, potentially causing him to miss five to six crucial games of the season.
Key Players Sidelined
Joining McDavid on the injured list is Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, who found himself on injured reserve after just one game due to a lower-body injury. The Sharks are hopeful for Celebrini’s return sometime in November, aiming for a quick recovery to bolster their ranks.
In Vancouver, the Canucks face the absence of their pivotal goaltender, Thatcher Demko, due to a knee injury that will likely keep him out for three to four weeks. His loss is a significant blow for the Canucks, who rely heavily on his capabilities between the pipes.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are grappling with the continued absence of their captain, Gabriel Landeskog. He has not made an appearance since the 2022 postseason, having undergone both arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant. The team and its fans remain anxiously awaiting his return, albeit without a set timeline.
Further Complications Across Teams
John Gibson, the Anaheim Ducks' goaltender, underwent appendectomy surgery, adding to a slew of challenges for the Ducks as they handle the new season without one of their key players.
Buffalo Sabres’ Zach Benson is dealing with a lower-body injury, while Artturi Lehkonen from the Avalanche is out as he recovers from shoulder surgery. The Columbus Blue Jackets are also feeling the pressure with Erik Gudbranson sidelined due to an upper-body injury.
The Oilers are also monitoring the recovery of Evander Kane, who is working his way back from multiple surgeries addressing hip and hernia issues. Over in Los Angeles, Kings’ defenseman Drew Doughty is navigating the aftermath of ankle surgery, further thinning their lineup.
Persistent Injury Challenges
The injury report continues with New York Islanders’ Anthony Duclair dealing with a lower-body issue and St. Louis Blues coping without Torey Krug and Robert Thomas. Krug underwent ankle surgery, while Thomas is dealing with the recovery from a fractured ankle, leaving significant gaps in the Blues' defense and offensive plans.
The Seattle Kraken's Vince Dunn is contending with a mid-body injury, potentially impacting the team's defensive strategies. Toronto Maple Leafs' forward Calle Jarnkrok is managing a lower-body ailment that could affect his contributions on ice moving forward.
Beyond the NHL, John Marino, a player with the Utah Hockey Club, faces an upper-body injury, part of a broader pattern of early-season injuries affecting players across leagues. Likewise, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is focusing on recovery from testicular cancer, a challenge that resonates well beyond the hockey rink.
Looking Ahead
As the NHL season progresses, the impact of these injuries will undoubtedly be felt across the league, affecting team dynamics and strategies. The anticipation surrounding the return of these players is palpable, with teams and fans eager for the reintegration of crucial talent that can shift the trajectory of their seasons.
Each injury, while a setback, also highlights the resilience and determination of these athletes as they recover and strive to return to the sport they love. The next few weeks will be critical for teams to manage these injuries strategically, maintaining competitiveness while ensuring players’ health and long-term performance are prioritized.