The National Hockey League's 2024-25 season is well underway, but injuries have presented significant challenges for many teams across the league. Two months into the season, some of the game's brightest stars are sidelined, leaving teams to navigate the turbulent waters of the regular season without key players.
High-Profile Absences
In Washington, Alex Ovechkin's lower-leg injury has been a significant blow to the Capitals. The legendary forward was injured after a collision with Utah forward Jack McBain, with his last appearance occurring on November 18, 2024. Listed as week-to-week, Ovechkin's absence is felt deeply in Washington as the team must adjust without their star player.
Thatcher Demko, the Vancouver Canucks' standout goaltender, continues to suffer from knee issues dating back to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His potential return in early December is eagerly anticipated by the Canucks, who have felt the strain of his absence in net.
In Boston, Hampus Lindholm is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, creating a gap in the Bruins' defensive lineup. His return timeline remains uncertain, adding to the team's defensive woes.
Injuries Across the League
The struggles continue for the Colorado Avalanche. Ross Colton is dealing with a broken foot, while Gabriel Landeskog remains out with a knee injury that has sidelined him since June 26, 2022. This longstanding absence of their captain poses ongoing challenges for the Avalanche.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are without Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner, both grappling with upper-body injuries. Boone Jenner has notably been absent since March 28, 2024, impacting the Jackets' performance on the ice.
The Detroit Red Wings face goaltending challenges with injuries to Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot. Though Talbot is not on injured reserve, he continues to navigate a lower-body ailment, putting pressure on the Red Wings' depth at the goaltending position.
Surgical Setbacks and Recoveries
Evander Kane of the Edmonton Oilers has undergone hip and hernia surgeries, with his projected return set for February 2025. This marked period away from the game is crucial for Kane's recovery, and the team is eager for his eventual return.
Similarly, the Los Angeles Kings' defense suffers with Drew Doughty sidelined following ankle surgery, and Darcy Kuemper remaining on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. These setbacks highlight the injuries plaguing the Kings' lineup.
In Minnesota, Mats Zuccarello's upper-body injury has the Wild awaiting his hopeful return in the next 3-4 weeks, while the Philadelphia Flyers contend with Jamie Drysdale and Samuel Ersson both on injured reserve.
Adding to the List
The New York Islanders find themselves without several players, with Anthony Duclair, Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Mike Reilly all dealing with injuries. This cluster of injuries poses significant challenges to their roster depth and team chemistry.
Torey Krug of the St. Louis Blues will not return this season after undergoing ankle surgery, leaving a notable gap in the Blues' defensive core as they aim to remain competitive.
The San Jose Sharks struggle with the absence of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture due to injuries, while Seattle Kraken's Jordan Eberle is set for a lengthy recovery from pelvic surgery, with his return anticipated in February 2025.
Widespread Challenges
In other parts of the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs grapple with injuries to Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Pacioretty, all sidelined with lower-body injuries. For the Utah Hockey Club, significant injuries include John Marino's upper-body condition and Sean Durzi's shoulder injury, with Durzi facing a 4-6 month return timeline.
The ongoing adjustments made by teams in navigating these injuries underline the resilience and depth required in competitive play. As the season progresses, returning players will likely have a considerable impact on their respective team dynamics, further highlighting the ever-changing landscape of the NHL during the 2024-25 season.