As the puck drops for the 2024-25 NHL season, hockey fans worldwide are tuning in with great anticipation, eager to see their favorite stars in action. However, this season has already been significantly impacted by injuries to key players, leaving fans and teams grappling with major absences just as the new chapter begins.
Key Players Sidelined Early
Among the most notable casualties is Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid, who has been the face of the league and a scoring powerhouse. McDavid succumbed to an ankle injury during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. The injury will see him sidelined for an estimated two to three weeks, keeping him out for about five to six crucial games. His absence leaves a substantial gap in the Oilers’ lineup, posing challenges for a team heavily reliant on his playmaking abilities.
Youth sensation Macklin Celebrini, who represents the San Jose Sharks, also finds himself on the injured list. After a single game, Celebrini was placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. His expected return is marked for some time in November, aiming to bolster the Sharks’ offense upon recovery.
Goaltenders and Veterans Impacted
The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with a major setback as goaltender Thatcher Demko faces three to four weeks away from the ice due to a knee injury. This will test the Canuck’s depth and resilience in the net, as they adjust to cope without their star goalie. Meanwhile, Anaheim’s John Gibson recently underwent appendectomy surgery, further adding to the list of injured goaltenders and impacting the Ducks’ defensive strengths.
In Colorado, captain Gabriel Landeskog's absence continues to loom large for the Avalanche. The veteran, who has not played since the 2022 postseason, remains out following significant knee surgeries, including arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant. Another blow to the Avalanche is Artturi Lehkonen, who is out following shoulder surgery, further testing the team’s resilience in their forward lines.
Addition to the Injury Roster
Buffalo Sabres’ Zach Benson is dealing with a lower-body injury, while Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is sidelined with an upper-body issue. In Edmonton, Evander Kane's recovery from hip and hernia surgeries is a concern for the Oilers, compounded by the simultaneous absence of McDavid.
On the defensive end, Los Angeles Kings' stalwart Drew Doughty is on the mend following ankle surgery, with the Kings anticipating his seasoned presence back on the ice. The New York Islanders are also dealing with an injury to Anthony Duclair, who is out with a lower-body ailment, as they navigate the early games without his speed and scoring ability.
A League-Wide Challenge
St. Louis sees both Torey Krug and Robert Thomas sidelined simultaneously, with Krug recovering from ankle surgery and Thomas nursing a fractured ankle. The dual losses heap pressure on the Blues’ defense and transition game.
The Seattle Kraken will miss the services of Vince Dunn, hampered by a mid-body injury, while the Toronto Maple Leafs' Calle Jarnkrok is managing his own lower-body issue, testing the depth and adaptability of these squads early in the season.
Utah Hockey Club’s John Marino joins the injured ranks with an upper-body injury, and the personal battle for recovery looms large for Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks, who is on the path to recovery from testicular cancer. His health journey has been a powerful source of inspiration for teammates and fans alike.
The array of injuries and the expected timeframes of recovery present complex challenges for the teams as they aim to maintain competitive momentum in the absence of key figures. It underscores a common reality in the high-stakes world of professional hockey: the physical demands and risks that come with the pursuit of the Stanley Cup. How these teams navigate, adjust, and capitalize on their remaining talent pools will be intensely scrutinized as they strive to keep their playoff aspirations alive whilst dreaming of a healthier lineup in the near future.