The 2024-25 NHL season has only just begun, yet it seems that the injury bug has already made significant inroads across the league. High stakes, rapid-paced games, and the rigorous demands of the ice have left several teams grappling with the absence of key players. Notably, Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, and Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks are among the prominent names currently benched due to injuries.
Aleksander Barkov's Untimely Absence
Aleksander Barkov, a critical component of the Florida Panthers’ lineup, sustained a lower-body injury on October 9 in a matchup against the Ottawa Senators. The injury, occurring while Barkov was defending an empty-net goal, poses a significant setback for the Panthers. Paul Maurice, the Panthers' head coach, remains optimistic about his captain's swift recovery. “(Paul Maurice) estimated that Barkov would be sidelined two to three weeks, with a chance to return to the ice by the team's early November NHL Global Series match in Finland if not sooner,” Maurice commented. If all goes according to plan, fans could see Barkov back in his element by early November.
Key Injuries Across the League
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have had to come to terms with the partial absence of rookie Macklin Celebrini. Though Celebrini's injury occurred during training camp, his presence on the injured reserve list casts a shadow over the team’s morale. As it stands, the Sharks will have to navigate their upcoming games without him.
Over on the west coast, Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks is nursing a knee injury, a lingering result of the high-octane 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He sustained this injury during Game 1 against the Nashville Predators. The timeline for Demko's rehabilitation has been projected to be three to four weeks, a period during which the Canucks must find alternative solutions between the pipes.
Long-Term Injuries and Surgeries
The Colorado Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog remains a player sorely missed. Since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, Landeskog has been sidelined due to arthroscopic knee surgery, which led him to miss the entire 2022-23 season. Moreover, following a recent cartilage transplant surgery, Landeskog is set to miss the 2023-24 season as well, leaving a significant gap in the Avalanche's lineup. Equally concerning for Colorado is Artturi Lehkonen, who remains on injured reserve following shoulder surgery.
For the Anaheim Ducks, John Gibson is recovering from appendectomy surgery. His expected return in early November will be crucial as the Ducks look to fortify their goaltending ranks. In the meantime, the Calgary Flames are dealing with Yegor Sharangovich's lower-body injury, keeping him on the injured reserve list.
In Edmonton, Evander Kane’s recovery journey is a long one, set against the backdrop of dual hip and hernia surgeries. The Oilers anticipate his return only by February 2025, underlining the resilience needed from both Kane and the team.
Uncertain Return Timelines
Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is amidst rehabilitation from ankle surgery. However, a specific timeframe for his return is still up in the air. Similarly, the New Jersey Devils face multiple challenges with Luke Hughes nursing a shoulder injury and Brett Pesce recovering from a fractured fibula, expected back by October 2024.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, Bryan Rust is working through a lower-body injury, aiming for a speedy return to bolster the team’s offensive depth. However, the future appears more uncertain for Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues, who is scheduled to miss the entire 2025-26 season after his ankle surgery.
Looking Ahead
Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs is expected back in late October 2024 after overcoming a lower-body injury. He will be a welcome addition to their lineup, providing depth and versatility as the season ramps up. Alongside him, the Utah Hockey Club anticipates Nick Bjugstad’s early November 2024 return from an upper-body injury, while his teammate John Marino could be back as early as mid-October.
The Vancouver Canucks' Dakota Joshua is facing his own battle, recovering from testicular cancer. The courage and strength he has shown will serve as an inspiration as he aims to return to the ice in late October.
Despite these setbacks, teams continue to navigate their early-season challenges with resilience and determination. The return of players such as Barkov and Demko could significantly alter team dynamics and reinvigorate their campaigns.