NHL Season Faces Wave of Injuries
The 2024-25 NHL season is in full swing, but it's not been without its challenges—namely, a growing list of injuries that has teams scrambling to adjust their lineups. From long-term absences to those hoping for a quick recovery, several key players are sidelined as their teams navigate the early stretch of the season.
One of the most notable names on the injured list is Washington Capitals star forward Alex Ovechkin. The veteran is dealing with a lower-leg injury after a recent collision with Utah's Jack McBain. This setback has kept Ovechkin out of action since November 18, 2024, leaving him marked as week-to-week in terms of recovery. His absence is certainly felt by the Capitals, as Ovechkin's leadership and scoring ability are pivotal to the team’s success.
Out west, the Vancouver Canucks anxiously await the return of goaltender Thatcher Demko. Struggling with knee issues that have lingered since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Demko is projected for a possible return in early December. Vancouver's defense will welcome his stable presence in net once he recovers.
Meanwhile, in Boston, the Bruins are missing Hampus Lindholm, who faces a lower-body injury and is currently on injured reserve. The physical defenseman is crucial to Boston's defensive schemes, and his absence will require adjustments on their blue line. Carolina Hurricanes are in a similar situation, with goaltender Frederik Andersen expected back in mid-November, hoping to regain his form quickly upon return.
The Colorado Avalanche faces their challenges, wrestling with the absence of Ross Colton due to a broken foot and Gabriel Landeskog, who has been battling a knee injury since June 2022. These long-term injuries push Colorado to lean on their depth and younger players to fill the void left by these experienced contributors.
Another team struggling with significant injuries is the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner are dealing with upper-body injuries, and Jenner hasn’t seen ice time since March 2024. Their path forward depends heavily on how quickly these core players can return to fitness.
The goaltending situation is tenuous for the Detroit Red Wings as well. Both Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot are nursing ailments, with Talbot working through a lower-body issue, though he remains off injured reserve. Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane, recovering from hip and hernia surgeries, targets February 2025 for his return. His absence weakens Edmonton's offensive threat significantly.
In Los Angeles, defenseman Drew Doughty is out following ankle surgery, while his teammate Darcy Kuemper’s status remains uncertain due to an undisclosed injury. The team's resilience will be tested as they seek consistency in their defensive line-up without these seasoned players.
For Minnesota Wild, the absence of Mats Zuccarello due to an upper-body injury is a key concern, though fans hold hope for his return in three to four weeks. Zuccarello’s playmaking ability is sorely missed during this crucial part of the season.
The New York Islanders have a host of injuries, with Anthony Duclair, Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Mike Reilly all facing varying lengths of time away from play. Each of these players is integral to the Islanders' tactics, and their return is eagerly anticipated.
Further setbacks have hit Philadelphia Flyers as Jamie Drysdale and Samuel Ersson find themselves on injured reserve. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug will not see a return to the ice this season following ankle surgery—a significant loss for their defensive corps.
On the West Coast, the San Jose Sharks are coping without Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture, while the Seattle Kraken will miss Jordan Eberle until February 2025 post-pelvic surgery. These absences press both teams to seek alternative paths to maintain competitive standings.
Moreover, the Toronto Maple Leafs juggle injuries to Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Pacioretty, all nursing lower-body concerns. Their return times remain uncertain, posing a strategic challenge for the Leafs as they adjust their roster for coming match-ups.
The newly minted Utah Hockey Club is also under injury duress, with John Marino sidelined by an upper-body injury, while Sean Durzi’s shoulder issue places him on a 4-6 month recovery trajectory. These players' contributions play a significant role in Utah's plans to solidify their presence in the NHL.
As the season progresses, teams continue to adapt to these setbacks, showcasing the depth and flexibility that define championship-caliber squads. The journey to recovery for many of these players remains a focal point, with teams eagerly awaiting the day they can return to full strength.