Key Injuries Mark the Beginning of the 2024-25 NHL Season
The 2024-25 NHL season is underway, but instead of hoisting highlight-reel moments on the ice, the early narrative is overshadowed by a spate of injuries to top players. These injuries not only impact the individuals but also pose significant challenges to their respective teams as they navigate the early part of the schedule.
Connor McDavid: Ankle Woes for the Oilers’ Star
Arguably the most significant name sidelined belongs to Connor McDavid. The Edmonton Oilers' superstar is facing an absence from the game after sustaining an ankle injury during a matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. Projections indicate McDavid will be away from the ice for two to three weeks, potentially missing between five and six crucial early-season contests. For a team heavily reliant on his offensive capabilities, McDavid's absence will be a test of the Oilers' depth and adaptability.
Injuries Plague San Jose and Vancouver
Another rising talent, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, finds himself on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury after just one game into the season. While the Sharks have expressed optimism for Celebrini’s return in November, they must contend with the immediate challenge of filling the void left by his absence.
In Vancouver, the Canucks are grappling with the absence of their starting goaltender, Thatcher Demko, who is sidelined with a knee injury expected to keep him out for three to four weeks. The team will need to rely heavily on their backup goaltender to maintain a strong defensive presence during Demko’s rehabilitation period.
Long-term Absences Test Team Resilience
Unfortunately, for Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, the return remains farther down the timeline. Out since the 2022 postseason, Landeskog has endured both arthroscopic knee surgery and a cartilage transplant, processes that notoriously demand extended recovery and rehabilitation. His leadership and skill set will be sorely missed as the Avalanche mount their early campaign.
Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks' goaltender John Gibson has undergone appendectomy surgery, adding to his list of past ailments. The Ducks will need to adjust their strategies in his absence and hope for his quick recovery.
Injury List Grows Across NHL
Among other notable injuries, Zach Benson of the Buffalo Sabres and Artturi Lehkonen of the Colorado Avalanche are both facing uncertain returns due to a lower-body injury and shoulder surgery, respectively. For Lehkonen, the surgery comes at a tough time when the Avalanche are already grappling with Landeskog’s absence.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are also affected, with Erik Gudbranson suffering from an upper-body injury. The Edmonton Oilers face further challenges with forward Evander Kane recovering from hip and hernia surgeries, stretching Edmonton's resources as they also deal with McDavid's absence.
The Los Angeles Kings are keeping fingers crossed for a speedy return of Drew Doughty following ankle surgery. Over in New York, Anthony Duclair of the Islanders faces issues with a lower-body injury, putting their depth to the test.
Multiple Fractures and Ailments
St. Louis is dealing with a double strike as both Torey Krug and Robert Thomas are sidelined; Krug following ankle surgery, and Thomas due to a fractured ankle. The pair’s absence will be noticeably felt in the team’s defensive and offensive playbooks.
Also on the mend is Vince Dunn of the Seattle Kraken, struggling with a mid-body injury that takes him out of the equation for the time being. Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is working through a lower-body issue, adding to the list of missed opportunities for these teams early in the season.
John Marino's upper-body injury is a setback for the Utah Hockey Club, while Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks is facing a significant personal battle as he recovers from testicular cancer, highlighting a profound and courageous journey beyond the rink.
As the NHL season unfolds, the league’s teams must adapt to this challenging landscape. While injuries are a part of sports, their current prevalence underscores the unpredictable and fragile nature of professional hockey, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability from both the players and their organizations.