The 2024-25 NHL season has barely begun, yet the league is already grappling with a slew of significant injuries to some of its brightest stars. These early setbacks have the potential to shift the dynamics of the season as teams are forced to adapt to the absence of key players.
Key Players Sideline
Among the notable absences is Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, whose exhilarating play has become a staple of the NHL. McDavid suffered an ankle injury on October 28 in a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s anticipated that he will be sidelined for two to three weeks, possibly missing five to six critical games. The Oilers will need to recalibrate their strategies as they cope without one of the league's most dynamic forwards.
In another blow, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks finds himself on injured reserve after just a single appearance this season due to a lower-body injury. Expectations are set for his return in November, and the Sharks will be eagerly awaiting his comeback to inject energy back into their roster.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks face their own challenges, as goaltender Thatcher Demko is out with a knee injury and will be off the ice for an estimated three to four weeks. His absence leaves a void in the Canucks' defense that could impact their early-season momentum.
Long-term Injuries and Surgeries
The Colorado Avalanche's woes continue with the prolonged absence of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played since the 2022 postseason following significant surgeries, including arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant. His leadership on and off the ice is sorely missed as the Avalanche navigate the season without him.
Thatcher Demko isn’t the only player recovering from surgery. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks underwent an appendectomy, sidelining him during a crucial period. Artturi Lehkonen, also of the Avalanche, is out with shoulder surgery recovery, adding to the team’s injury struggles.
Injury Updates Across the League
On a wider scale, injuries have plagued various teams, affecting their short-term tactics and long-term strategies. Zach Benson is dealing with a lower-body injury for the Buffalo Sabres, while Erik Gudbranson is sidelined for the Columbus Blue Jackets with an upper-body injury.
The Edmonton Oilers are also monitoring Evander Kane's recovery from hip and hernia surgeries, a concern that stretches deep into their offensive setup. Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is recuperating from ankle surgery, with hopes of adding stability to their blue line upon his return.
The New York Islanders face their own setback with Anthony Duclair's lower-body injury, while St. Louis's Torey Krug and Robert Thomas are both absent—Krug with an ankle surgery and Thomas nursing a fractured ankle. Vince Dunn's mid-body injury presents another hurdle for the Seattle Kraken as they establish their place in the league.
Additional challenges come for the Toronto Maple Leafs as Calle Jarnkrok deals with a lower-body issue, and Utah Hockey Club’s John Marino struggles with an upper-body injury. Dakota Joshua's courageous recovery from testicular cancer marks a personal triumph amid the Vancouver Canucks’ conditions.
The Road Ahead
As teams adjust to these early-season absences, the pressure mounts on both emerging talents and established veterans to step up in pivotal moments. The roster depth will be tested, strategies will evolve, and the usual rhythm of play disrupted as franchises navigate this tumultuous start.
The stories of resilience and adaptation are as much a part of the game's tapestry as the goals and saves themselves. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as teams forge ahead, knowing that the NHL season, with its unpredictable nature, never fails to deliver drama and intrigue. The test for each team lies not just in overcoming their opponents, but in battling against the unpredictability of the sport itself.