The NHL's 2024-25 season is off to a rocky start as several marquee players are contending with significant injuries, reshaping team strategies and fan expectations alike. While injuries in this high-impact sport are a given, the early toll on key figures has put a spotlight on how teams are maneuvering to maintain stability and performance.
Early Setbacks for Star Players
One of the biggest shocks of the young season is the sidelining of Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who is currently out with an ankle injury. McDavid suffered the mishap on October 28 during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Oilers will be without their captain for an estimated two to three weeks—a span that could see him missing up to six games. McDavid's absence is a significant blow to Edmonton; his electrifying presence and unparalleled skill are irreplaceable assets for the team.
Meanwhile, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks finds himself on injured reserve after suffering a lower-body injury just one game into the season. His return is expected by November, leaving the Sharks navigating early seas without one of their promising young talents.
In Vancouver, the Canucks are grappling with the loss of goaltender Thatcher Demko, who is sidelined due to a knee injury. Demko's absence for three to four weeks presents a critical challenge, as stability in the net is crucial for any team’s defensive game plan.
Long-Term Recoveries and Challenges
The Colorado Avalanche are still without their captain, Gabriel Landeskog, who has not played since the 2022 postseason due to extensive knee surgeries. Landeskog's recovery from both arthroscopic knee surgery and cartilage transplant surgery is a long-term process, and his return to the ice remains an indefinite prospect.
Another player facing significant recovery is John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, who recently underwent an appendectomy. While not a long-term injury, it nonetheless impacts the team's goaltending rotation in the short term. Similarly concerning are the health issues of Zach Benson of the Buffalo Sabres and Artturi Lehkonen of the Avalanche, the latter recovering from shoulder surgery.
Erik Gudbranson's upper-body injury further complicates matters for the Blue Jackets, while the Oilers’ Evander Kane is on the mend after both hip and hernia surgeries. For the Los Angeles Kings, Drew Doughty's ankle surgery has left a notable void in their defensive lineup.
Widespread Impact Across Teams
Injury woes also extend to the New York Islanders, where Anthony Duclair is dealing with a lower-body injury. The St. Louis Blues have seen a double blow with both Torey Krug, following ankle surgery, and Robert Thomas with a fractured ankle on the injury list.
The Seattle Kraken must manage without Vince Dunn, who is sidelined with a mid-body injury, while the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Calle Jarnkrok is handling a lower-body issue of his own. John Marino's upper-body injury is affecting his performances with the Utah Hockey Club, adding yet another dimension to the injury landscape facing the league.
Finally, it’s worth noting the bravest battle of them all: Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is in recovery from testicular cancer, a fight that transcends sport and captures the spirit of resilience shared among players across the league. The community rallies around him and others facing similar personal challenges, recognizing that returning to the ice is a testament to their strength and determination.
As the NHL season progresses, teams must adapt to these setbacks, relying on depth players to fill gaps and maintain competitive momentum. While the absence of star talents like Connor McDavid is felt deeply, the resilience and strategic adjustments executed by teams will define how this season unfolds and which squads can rise above early adversities.