The 2024-25 NHL season has kicked off, but not without its fair share of setbacks for teams across the league. Injuries seem to be the storyline as several key players are sidelined, affecting team rosters and strategies in the early days of the season. From Toronto to New York, injuries have put a spotlight on player durability and team depth.
Maple Leafs' Struggles with Injuries
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently navigating the loss of superstar Auston Matthews, who has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. The injury, noted as retroactive to November 3, caused Matthews to miss a match against the Montreal Canadiens. The team, however, anticipates his return for the upcoming game against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. In addition, Calle Jarnkrok was expected to come back from a lower-body injury in late October, although the precise timeline for his complete recovery remains uncertain.
Challenges for the Islanders
Over on the East Coast, the New York Islanders are contending with their own injury woes. Both Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are facing extended absences with upper-body injuries, projected to sideline them for four to six weeks. Defensemen Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are coping with day-to-day injuries, though these are thankfully deemed minor. Meanwhile, Anthony Duclair is nursing a lower-body injury and is not expected to return until December, creating further challenges for the team's roster depth.
Vancouver Canucks: Awaiting Key Returns
For the Vancouver Canucks, the wait for Thatcher Demko's return has been long overdue. After sustaining a knee injury during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Demko is hoped to make his return in early November. Additionally, Dakota Joshua is on the brink of a heartening comeback after recovering from testicular cancer, with expectations of an imminent appearance on the ice.
Injuries Impacting the Hurricanes
The injury bug has also bitten the Carolina Hurricanes. Star goaltender Frederik Andersen is on the injured list due to a lower-body injury, sidelining him until mid-November. This absence puts pressure on the Hurricanes' defensive lineup, requiring other players to step up in Andersen's stead.
Colorado Avalanche's Wounded Roster
The Colorado Avalanche are feeling the impact of injuries with several players out for long periods. Gabriel Landeskog remains on injured reserve with a persistent knee injury, while Ross Colton's broken foot will see him sidelined for six to eight weeks. Additionally, Miles Wood faces an absence of seven to ten days due to an upper-body injury, further straining the team's depth.
Elsewhere Around the League
The injury issues are not confined to a few teams. The Columbus Blue Jackets are dealing with uncertainties regarding the return of Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner, both dealing with upper-body injuries. The Edmonton Oilers have a longer timeline to contend with, as Evander Kane is not expected back until February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. Over in Los Angeles, the Kings' fans are waiting for updates on Drew Doughty's ankle injury, with no definitive timeline for his return known yet.
The St. Louis Blues, meanwhile, face one of the more prolonged absences; Torey Krug's ankle surgery sets him out until the 2025-26 season. Furthermore, Robert Thomas's fractured ankle leaves him out indefinitely, challenging the Blues to fill significant gaps in their lineup. Completing the list of teams dealing with significant injuries, the Utah Hockey Club's John Marino and Sean Durzi are both out, with Marino suffering from an upper-body injury and Durzi facing a tough four-to-six-month absence due to a shoulder injury.
As the NHL season progresses, teams across the league will keenly monitor the status of these injured players and adjust strategies accordingly. The ability to adapt and overcome these early-season adversities will likely distinguish the serious contenders as the quest for the Stanley Cup intensifies.