The commencement of the 2024-25 NHL season has been overshadowed by a series of injuries that have forced numerous high-profile players to the sidelines. Teams are feeling the impact of these absences, and strategic adjustments are underway as the league adapts to these early season setbacks.
Key Players Sidelined
The Edmonton Oilers are without their star forward, Connor McDavid, who is out due to an ankle injury suffered during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. This setback is expected to keep McDavid off the ice for two to three weeks, during which he could miss up to half a dozen games. His absence is undoubtedly a significant blow to the Oilers, who rely heavily on his offensive prowess.
Another emerging talent, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, is also on injured reserve, afflicted by a lower-body injury after just his first game of the season. Celebrini's return is anticipated sometime in November, and the Sharks are eager to have his skills back in their roster as they navigate the early games of their campaign.
Goaltenders Grapple With Health Issues
The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with the absence of their goaltender, Thatcher Demko, who is out for an estimated three to four weeks due to a knee injury. His absence places additional pressure on the Canucks' defensive lineup, as they aim to maintain stability in the net.
In Anaheim, Ducks' goaltender John Gibson underwent an appendectomy, further adding to the list of sidelined players. The team is undoubtedly feeling the impact of his absence in guarding the goal, which is vital for their game strategy.
Lingering and Long-Term Challenges
The Colorado Avalanche are coping with the prolonged absence of captain Gabriel Landeskog. He has not played since the 2022 postseason, having undergone both arthroscopic knee surgery and cartilage transplant surgery. As one of the team's pivotal figures, Landeskog's delay in returning to the ice is a hurdle for the Avalanche as they aim to compete at top levels this season.
Artturi Lehkonen, also from the Avalanche, is out following shoulder surgery, further complicating Colorado's lineup issues. Their adaptability in managing these multiple injuries will be crucial as the season progresses.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Several players are dealing with various recovery stages from surgical procedures. Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is in the midst of rehabilitation following hip and hernia surgeries. Meanwhile, Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is getting back on his feet after ankle surgery, and the New York Islanders’ Anthony Duclair is tackling a lower-body injury.
St. Louis is wrestling with setbacks as well, with Torey Krug and Robert Thomas both out of action. Krug had ankle surgery, and Thomas is recovering from a fractured ankle, leaving the team to shuffle their defensive strategies in their absence.
The Broader Impact Across the League
Other notable injuries include Zach Benson from the Buffalo Sabres, who is coping with a lower-body injury, and Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets with an upper-body injury. Vince Dunn of the Seattle Kraken is managing a mid-body injury, while Calle Jarnkrok from the Toronto Maple Leafs navigates through a lower-body issue.
John Marino, lacing up for the Utah Hockey Club, is grappling with an upper-body injury. For Vancouver once more, Dakota Joshua is a beacon of perseverance, recovering from testicular cancer.
The NHL scene is adjusting rapidly as teams strategize to fill the gaps left by these key players. The breadth of these injuries across various teams highlights the physical demands and unpredictable nature of the sport. Fans across the league hope for swift recoveries as they await the return of these standout athletes to the ice.