The 2024-25 NHL season has started with the thrill only hockey can deliver but, unfortunately, many teams are battling formidable injury slates. This rash of injuries is complicating their early season campaigns and reshaping expectations across the league.
Islanders Sidelined
The New York Islanders, who have high hopes this season, face significant challenges without star player Mat Barzal. Barzal, who suffered an upper-body injury, is slated to spend four to six weeks away from the ice. Joining him on the injury list is defenseman Adam Pelech, who also faces a similar timeline due to an upper-body ailment. The absence of these key players is a considerable setback for the Islanders, who must navigate these early weeks without two of their stalwarts.
Further complicating the Islanders' situation are injuries to Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov, both listed as day-to-day. As the team looks to stay competitive in the Metropolitan Division, maintaining depth and resilience will be critical in the coming weeks.
Oilers and McDavid's Absence
In Edmonton, the Oilers are grappling with the absence of their standout player, Connor McDavid. An ankle injury sustained against the Columbus Blue Jackets has put the Oilers' star out for an estimated two to three weeks. The timing of McDavid's injury leaves a void in one of the most dynamic teams on the ice, highlighting the inherent risks of the sport. Meanwhile, Evander Kane, another vital member of the Oilers' lineup, continues his recovery from hip and hernia surgeries, further stressing the team's depth.
Sharks' Celebrini Temporarily Grounded
Over at the San Jose Sharks, Macklin Celebrini’s early promise was temporarily put on hold due to a lower-body injury. Despite his short stint on the ice, Celebrini made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and an assist in his NHL debut. The Sharks eagerly await his return in November, hoping to see more of his promising talent once he completes his recovery.
Canucks' Goaltending Woes
The Vancouver Canucks are also experiencing a challenging start with their key goaltender, Thatcher Demko, on the recovery path from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Demko is expected to return in three to four weeks, and his absence leaves Vancouver with big skates to fill in the crease. Forward Dakota Joshua adds to the Canucks' concerns as he bravely battles back from a testicular cancer diagnosis, representing one of the more impactful storylines of the season.
Colorado's Injury Plague
Troubles continue for the Colorado Avalanche, which boasts a roster riddled with injuries to impactful players. Gabriel Landeskog remains out with a knee injury, a familiar narrative for the Avalanche fans. Furthermore, Artturi Lehkonen is recovering from shoulder surgery, Miles Wood deals with an upper-body complaint, and Ross Colton faces up to eight weeks out after sustaining a broken foot. The Avalanche must rely on some of their less seasoned players to step up to fill these substantial voids as they strive to contend in the Central Division.
Diverse Injury Reports
The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, and St. Louis Blues are each dealing with their own injury concerns as well. John Gibson of the Ducks is recovering following appendectomy surgery, while Sabres' Zach Benson and Kings' Drew Doughty manage lower-body and ankle surgery recoveries, respectively. Ankle issues have taken a significant toll on the St. Louis Blues with Torey Krug out for the season and Robert Thomas working through a fracture sustained there.
Rest of the League
On a broader level, the Seattle Kraken are operating without Vince Dunn (mid-body injury), the Toronto Maple Leafs are without Calle Jarnkrok (lower-body issue), and the Columbus Blue Jackets' Erik Gudbranson is presently sidelined by an upper-body injury. John Marino of the Utah Hockey Club is also experiencing upper-body difficulties.
In a demanding sport such as ice hockey, managing injuries is part of crafting a successful season. As teams navigate these challenges and strive to keep their playoff hopes alive, depth and resilience play a pivotal role. Players will continue to step up, and franchises will adapt to retain competitiveness amid these early challenges.