The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off with a mixed bag of highs and lows, especially for teams grappling with key players missing due to injuries. As the ice heats up with competition, the pressing concern for numerous franchises remains the health and recovery timelines of their stars.
Florida Panthers and the Barkov Situation
The Florida Panthers find themselves in a precarious situation following the unfortunate sidelining of their captain, Aleksander Barkov. Following a lower-body injury during a match against the Ottawa Senators, Barkov’s absence is profoundly felt. The injury occurred in an unexpected scenario as he was defending an empty-net goal. According to Panthers' head coach Paul Maurice, Barkov is anticipated to be off the ice for two to three weeks. "There’s a chance to see him return during the early November NHL Global Series in Finland," Maurice mentioned optimistically.
Sharks and Their Challenges
Over at the San Jose Sharks, Macklin Celebrini was dealt a blow even before the season's start, suffering an injury during training camp. Celebrini’s placement on the injured reserve list means he’ll miss at least the next two games. His presence is sorely missed, as the Sharks struggle to maintain a formidable lineup in his absence.
The Canucks' Goaltending Dilemma
Vancouver Canucks’ fans continue to monitor the injury list with anxiety, particularly concerning their star goaltender Thatcher Demko. Demko's knee injury, inflicted during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, poses a notable challenge for the Canucks. With a recovery timeline of three to four weeks, the Canucks' hopes rest on his swift return to strengthen their defensive strategy.
Colorado Avalanche's Prolonged Absences
For the Colorado Avalanche, the absence of Gabriel Landeskog remains a long-term concern. Following arthroscopic knee surgery, Landeskog had already missed the entire 2022-23 season. The recent cartilage transplant surgery signifies that he will also miss the entire 2023-24 season, putting extra pressure on the team to perform without their pivotal player. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen’s shoulder surgery has landed him on injured reserve, further exacerbating the Avalanche's roster challenges.
Ducks, Flames, and Oilers Handle Their Setbacks
The Anaheim Ducks face a setback with John Gibson recovering from appendectomy surgery. While the timeline indicates a return in early November, his absence leaves a noticeable gap. Similarly, the Calgary Flames are managing without Yegor Sharangovich due to a lower-body injury, affecting their on-ice chemistry.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers anticipate being without Evander Kane until February 2025 as he recuperates from hip and hernia surgeries, a significant hole in their athletic lineup.
Uncertainties in LA and New Jersey
Out west, the Los Angeles Kings are uncertain about Drew Doughty's return after undergoing ankle surgery. No specific timeframe is available, leaving the Kings to adapt their defensive strategies accordingly.
In New Jersey, the Devils have been hit with multiple injuries, notably to Luke Hughes, who is out with a shoulder injury. The team is hopeful for his return by early November. Brett Pesce, another key player, is expected to return from a fractured fibula later this month, a prospect that could bolster the Devils’ ranks significantly.
Pittsburgh Penguins and Beyond
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Bryan Rust continues his path to recovery from a lower-body injury, aiming to rejoin the lineup soon. Similarly, Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues is slated to miss the entire next season following ankle surgery, signaling a need for long-term roster adjustments.
Calle Jarnkrok's nearing return to the Toronto Maple Leafs from a lower-body injury projected for late October brings hope to their camp. In Utah, both Nick Bjugstad and John Marino are on injury watch. While Bjugstad aims for an early November return from an upper-body injury, Marino is expected back by mid-October, hoping to reinforce the Utah Hockey Club’s defense.
Lastly, Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks battles back from testicular cancer, targeting a return by late October, showcasing inspiration and resilience. For the Vegas Golden Knights, the return of William Karlsson in October 2024 remains optimistic despite the nature of his injury being undisclosed.
As the NHL season progresses, each team navigates its own set of challenges and potential reinforcements. Fans across the league await the return of their beloved players, hoping to see them back in action and propelling their teams toward success.