The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with a flurry of activity both on and off the ice, as numerous high-profile injuries shape the early landscape of the league. With top players sidelined, teams are grappling with major gaps in their rosters during this crucial period.
Aleksander Barkov's Resilience
Aleksander Barkov, captain of the Florida Panthers, is facing a temporary setback after sustaining a lower-body injury on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators. The injury occurred in the intense final moments as Barkov was defending against an empty-net goal. According to Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice, Barkov is expected to miss two to three weeks, with a potential return slated for the NHL Global Series match in Finland in early November. "There's a chance to return to the ice by the team's early November NHL Global Series match in Finland if not sooner," Maurice noted, highlighting the team's optimism for his comeback.
Challenges for San Jose and Vancouver
The San Jose Sharks are also contending with player injuries as Macklin Celebrini finds himself on the injured reserve list following an unspecified setback during training camp. Celebrini's absence is projected for at least the next two games, posing questions about depth and performance for the Sharks.
Similarly, the Vancouver Canucks are navigating tough waters with Thatcher Demko's knee injury casting a shadow over their goaltending situation. Sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in a matchup against the Nashville Predators, Demko's recovery is estimated to take another three to four weeks, leaving the team to strategize without their star netminder.
Long-Term Injury Concerns
The Colorado Avalanche face their own set of challenges, as forward Gabriel Landeskog recovers from prolonged injury woes. Landeskog, who has been out since their triumphant 2022 Stanley Cup victory, continues his rehabilitation process following arthroscopic knee surgery and a subsequent cartilage transplant surgery. He has been officially ruled out for the 2023-24 season, leaving the Avalanche without his leadership and offensive capabilities until further notice.
Adding to the Avalanche's injury report, Artturi Lehkonen is also on the injured reserve list following shoulder surgery, compounding the team's concerns regarding roster depth.
Appendectomy Sidelines Ducks' Goalie
In Anaheim, the Ducks await the return of their starting goalie, John Gibson, who recently underwent appendectomy surgery. The team expects Gibson to be back in action by early November, potentially adding stability to their defensive efforts as they aim to improve their early-season performance.
Other Notable Absences Across the League
The Calgary Flames have lost Yegor Sharangovich to a lower-body injury, while the Edmonton Oilers anticipate the return of Evander Kane in February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. In Los Angeles, the Kings are unsure about Drew Doughty's timeline for return as he works through rehabilitation from ankle surgery.
Across the league, the New Jersey Devils are also dealing with injury challenges. Luke Hughes, sidelined with a shoulder injury, and Brett Pesce, who sustained a fractured fibula, have created depth issues for the Devils in the defensive zone. The optimistic news is that both are expected to make their returns in late October and early November, respectively.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bryan Rust is on the mend from a lower-body injury, while the St. Louis Blues face a more prolonged absence with Torey Krug ruled out for the entirety of the 2025-26 season due to ankle surgery.
Hopeful Returns on the Horizon
As teams navigate these injury challenges, the league watches closely to see how each squad adapts. In Toronto, Calle Jarnkrok is eyed for a return in late October following recovery from a lower-body injury. The Utah Hockey Club anticipates early November returns for key players Nick Bjugstad and John Marino. Meanwhile, the Canucks are hopeful for Dakota Joshua’s comeback, as he battles through recovery from testicular cancer.
Among those expected to return soon is William Karlsson of the Vegas Golden Knights, although the specifics of his undisclosed injury remain under wraps.
As the NHL season progresses, these injuries underscore the unpredictable nature of the sport, where teams must demonstrate resilience and flexibility. The coming weeks will test the mettle of squads as they vie for success amid these early-season setbacks.