The excitement of the NHL's return for the 2024-25 season is tempered by a slew of injuries impacting teams across the league. Many key players find themselves on injured reserve, creating strategic challenges for their respective teams.
Toronto Maple Leafs' Injury Concerns
Prominent among the injured is Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who has been sidelined due to an upper-body injury. This setback was officially noted from November 3. Consequently, he missed the crucial encounter with rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Team management and fans alike are hopeful for his return in the upcoming clash against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs are eager for the return of Calle Jarnkrok, who was anticipated to come back from a lower-body injury as October came to a close.
Challenges for the New York Islanders
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders are contending with their own set of injuries. Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech, both key players, are grappling with upper-body injuries with an estimated recovery timeframe of four to six weeks. The team's defensive lineup is further strained as Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are dealing with minor day-to-day injuries. Forward Anthony Duclair is also absent due to a lower-body injury, although he's expected back by December.
Vancouver Canucks' Health Issues
The Vancouver Canucks face a critical period as netminder Thatcher Demko continues to recover from a knee injury sustained during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team's confidence rests on his expected return in early November. Additionally, Dakota Joshua is making a significant recovery from testicular cancer, with optimism surrounding his imminent return to the ice.
Pressures on the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche
Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes is out with a lower-body injury, his return anticipated in mid-November. The Colorado Avalanche are also missing key players; Gabriel Landeskog remains on injured reserve due to a knee issue. Ross Colton, dealing with a broken foot, is facing a six-to-eight-week recovery period, while Miles Wood is nursing an upper-body injury that may see him out for seven to ten days.
Ongoing Woes for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Others
Further issues persist for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who await clear return dates for Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner, both dealing with upper-body injuries. The Edmonton Oilers, on the other hand, have a longer wait ahead, with Evander Kane scheduled for a February 2025 return following surgeries for hip and hernia conditions.
In Los Angeles, the Kings are navigating the absence of Drew Doughty, who is benched indefinitely due to an ankle injury. The St. Louis Blues are preparing for an extended stretch without Torey Krug, undergoing ankle surgery with a return not expected until the 2025-26 campaign. Robert Thomas is also out indefinitely, recovering from a fractured ankle.
Lastly, the Utah Hockey Club is contending with its own setbacks. John Marino is managing an upper-body injury with an uncertain timeline for his return, while Sean Durzi is facing a significant recovery period after a shoulder injury, sidelining him for four to six months.
As the NHL season progresses, these injuries highlight the physical demands of the sport and the impact they have on each team’s lineup and strategic planning. As teams make adjustments, fans and analysts are left to speculate about how these absences will shape the season's trajectory and team standings.