As the 2024-25 NHL season kicks off, several teams are grappling with the impact of injuries on their rosters. Notably, high-profile players such as Aleksander Barkov, Macklin Celebrini, and Thatcher Demko are sidelined, which could significantly affect their respective teams' performances in the coming weeks.
Aleksander Barkov's Temporary Setback
Aleksander Barkov, captain of the Florida Panthers, is facing a temporary setback after sustaining a lower-body injury on October 9 during a match against the Ottawa Senators. The injury occurred under unfortunate circumstances as Barkov tried to defend an empty-net goal. Florida Panthers head coach, Paul Maurice, provided some insight into Barkov’s recovery timeline. “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,” he remarked. Barkov's potential return during the Global Series would be a significant boost for the Panthers, who rely heavily on his leadership and on-ice prowess.
Celebrini and Demko on the Mend
Elsewhere, the San Jose Sharks are missing the services of their promising talent, Macklin Celebrini, who suffered an injury during training camp. He is currently on the injured reserve list and is expected to miss at least the next two games, leaving a temporary void in the Sharks' lineup. Similarly, Vancouver Canucks' goaltender Thatcher Demko is dealing with a knee injury he sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The incident occurred in Game 1 against the Nashville Predators, marking the beginning of a challenging off-season for the talented netminder. Demko’s recovery is anticipated to last three to four weeks, during which time the Canucks must find ways to cope without their star goalie.
Injury Woes for the Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche, who celebrated their most recent Stanley Cup victory in 2022, are still feeling the absence of Gabriel Landeskog. Currently missing his second consecutive season due to knee issues, Landeskog underwent a cartilage transplant surgery after arthroscopic surgery kept him out for the entire 2022-23 season. Adding to the Avalanche's injury concerns is Artturi Lehkonen, who is currently on injured reserve following shoulder surgery. Both players leave notable gaps as the Avalanche look to build on their recent successes without them.
Surgical Recoveries and Set Return Dates
In Anaheim, Ducks goaltender John Gibson is recovering from appendectomy surgery, with a targeted comeback in early November. Likewise, Yegor Sharangovich from the Calgary Flames is out with a lower-body injury. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers’ Evander Kane is on a longer road to recovery, with his return from hip and hernia surgeries projected for February 2025. Kane’s absence will test the Oilers’ depth as they navigate the early months of the season.
Veteran defenseman Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings is rehabilitating from ankle surgery, though no definitive return date has been set. Conversely, Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils is targeting an early November return for a shoulder injury, and his teammate Brett Pesce is expected back from a fractured fibula by the end of October.
Additional Injuries Across the League
For the Pittsburgh Penguins, forward Bryan Rust is overcoming a lower-body injury, while the St. Louis Blues will play the entire season without Torey Krug, following recent ankle surgery. The Toronto Maple Leafs await the late October return of Calle Jarnkrok, sidelined with a lower-body injury. Additionally, the newly formed Utah Hockey Club is contending with injuries to Nick Bjugstad, who has an upper-body concern, and John Marino, who targets mid-October for his return. Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks, determined to return after battling testicular cancer, is eyeing a late October comeback. And the Vegas Golden Knights are optimistic about William Karlsson’s October return, despite remaining tight-lipped about the specifics of his injury.
As these players undergo recovery and rehabilitation, their teams are tasked with compensating for the temporary loss of their services. How these squads adapt and respond will play a crucial role in their standings as the season progresses.