The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off, but several teams are already facing challenges as key players find themselves on the injured list, impacting team dynamics and strategies early on. Among these are notable names like Aleksander Barkov, Macklin Celebrini, Thatcher Demko, and Evander Kane, each grappling with setbacks that could influence their teams’ performances in the crucial opening weeks.
Barkov's Untimely Setback
Aleksander Barkov, the Florida Panthers’ captain, faces a temporary halt in his contributions after sustaining a lower-body injury during an October 9 clash against the Ottawa Senators. The incident occurred under unfortunate circumstances as Barkov was defending against an empty-net goal. As the Panthers look to build momentum this season, Paul Maurice, the team’s coach, mentioned, “Barkov would be sidelined two to three weeks, with a chance to return to the ice by the team's early November NHL Global Series match in Finland if not sooner.” His absence may ripple through the Panthers’ lineup, but fans are hopeful for his timely return.
Rookie Challenges for Celebrini
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks are dealing with the absence of rookie Macklin Celebrini, who sustained an injury during training camp. Currently on the injured reserve list, Celebrini is expected to miss at least the next two games. This delay marks a challenging start to his NHL career, leaving Sharks fans eager to see his potential in action as soon as he recovers.
Demko's Comeback Journey
The Vancouver Canucks' Thatcher Demko faces a recovery period following a knee injury suffered during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Demko's injury, occurring in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, requires a three-to-four week recuperation period. With Demko being a foundational piece for the Canucks, his return is highly anticipated as they navigate the early part of their season without him guarding the net.
Extended Absence for Landeskog
Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche remains on the sidelines following extensive knee issues. Since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, Landeskog has been plagued by injuries, leading to arthroscopic knee surgery and missing the entire 2022-23 season. To compound challenges, a cartilage transplant surgery will also see him miss the current season, a significant blow to the Avalanche's roster and leadership.
Other Notable Injuries
The injury bug hasn’t spared others in the league either. Artturi Lehkonen is out for the Avalanche following shoulder surgery, while John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks is recovering from appendectomy surgery, with a return anticipated in early November. Calgary Flames' Yegor Sharangovich is sidelined with a lower-body injury, and Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers is eyeing a February 2025 return after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries.
In Los Angeles, Drew Doughty is rehabbing from ankle surgery with an indefinite return timeline, while New Jersey Devils' Luke Hughes is managing a shoulder injury, with hopes of an early November comeback. Brett Pesce, also from the Devils, battles a fractured fibula, but a return is on the horizon in October 2024.
The Pittsburgh Penguins' Bryan Rust is overcoming a lower-body injury, and Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues is set to miss the entire 2025-26 season recovering from ankle surgery. Toronto Maple Leafs fans can expect Calle Jarnkrok back in late October from a lower-body setback, while the Utah Hockey Club deals with the absence of Nick Bjugstad, expected back by early November, and John Marino aiming for a mid-October return.
Vancouver’s Dakota Joshua is making a heartening recovery from testicular cancer, targeting a late October return, and the Vegas Golden Knights are hopeful for William Karlsson’s comeback later this month, despite an undisclosed injury.
As the season unfolds, these injuries will test the depth and resilience of their respective teams. The management of health and recovery will become crucial as teams strive to maintain momentum and secure their places in the competitive NHL landscape. For fans and franchises alike, the return of these key players is eagerly awaited, with hopes pinned on their ability to reintegrate smoothly and make impactful comebacks.