Injuries Plague NHL Teams as 2024-25 Season Kicks Off
The NHL's 2024-25 season is underway, but the excitement is tempered by a significant number of injuries impacting teams across the league. As teams adapt their strategies and rosters to cope, the focus on player health and recovery continues to dominate discussions.
Maple Leafs Grapple with Key Absences
The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting the season with challenges, as star player Auston Matthews is sidelined due to an upper-body injury. The injury, which dates back to November 3, saw Matthews miss a crucial match against the Montreal Canadiens. However, there's a glimmer of hope for Leafs fans; Matthews is set for a potential return in the upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Additionally, Calle Jarnkrok was expected to make his return from a lower-body injury by the end of October, potentially bolstering Toronto's lineup in Matthews' absence.
New York Islanders Face Multiple Setbacks
The New York Islanders are not spared from the injury bug. Notably, Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are undergoing recovery periods of four to six weeks due to upper-body injuries. Defensemen Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are treating day-to-day injuries, while Anthony Duclair is on the bench with a lower-body injury. Duclair is anticipated to make his return by December, providing a much-needed boost to the Islanders' offensive game.
Vancouver Canucks Navigate Injury Challenges
In Vancouver, goalie Thatcher Demko has been dealing with a knee injury lingering from the previous season's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Fans are eagerly anticipating Demko's return, hoped to be in early November. In another area of concern, forward Dakota Joshua is on the road to recovery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer, with his return expected imminently.
Uncertainty Looms for Other Teams
The Carolina Hurricanes face the absence of Frederik Andersen due to a lower-body injury, rendering him unavailable until mid-November. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche contend with a series of injuries: Gabriel Landeskog remains absent with a knee issue, Ross Colton is out with a broken foot for six to eight weeks, and Miles Wood is dealing with an upper-body injury, sidelining him for a short period.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are monitoring Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner as they recover from upper-body injuries with uncertain return dates. Similarly, the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings deal with the prolonged absence of key players. Evander Kane of the Oilers is not expected back until February 2025, post-hip and hernia surgeries, while Drew Doughty of the Kings faces indeterminate downtime due to an ankle injury.
Extended Recovery Timelines
Perhaps the most daunting injury news comes from the St. Louis Blues. Torey Krug's ankle surgery sets the stage for a prolonged absence, pushing his return into the 2025-26 season. Compounding the Blues' woes is Robert Thomas, who faces an indefinite period away from the ice following a fractured ankle.
The Utah Hockey Club is also experiencing its share of setbacks. John Marino deals with an upper-body injury, adding to the team's injury list, and Sean Durzi is expected to be out for four to six months due to a shoulder injury.
The prevalence of injuries early in the NHL season is reshaping team dynamics and intensifying the pressure on coaching staff and medical teams. As players focus on rehabilitation, teams will need to leverage their depth and adaptability in the coming weeks. With the potential return of key players on the horizon, fans can hope for a revitalized energy on the ice as the season progresses.