NHL Teams Grapple with Significant Injuries in the Early Stages of the 2024-25 Season
The NHL's 2024-25 campaign, barely two months in, is shaping up to be a season of attrition, as numerous teams are dealing with significant injuries. The league's landscape is being reshaped, with star players sidelined and others stepping up to fill the voids.
Legendary Washington Capitals forward, Alex Ovechkin, is among the notable injuries. He sustained a lower-leg injury in a collision with Utah's Jack McBain and has not played since November 18. Ovechkin’s status is day-to-day, leaving the Capitals hopeful for a swift recovery.
The Vancouver Canucks are monitoring the ongoing knee issues of goaltender Thatcher Demko. These problems have persisted since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but there is optimism for his return in early December, which could provide a much-needed boost to their goaltending depth.
Boston Bruins' defenseman Hampus Lindholm is on injured reserve with a lower-body issue. His absence further compounds Boston's struggles as they attempt to navigate the competitive Atlantic Division.
In a similar vein, the Carolina Hurricanes have been waiting for the return of their goaltender, Frederik Andersen, who is expected to make his comeback by mid-November. His presence will be integral for the Hurricanes' plans to contend in the Metropolitan Division.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are managing without Ross Colton, who is sidelined with a broken foot, and Gabriel Landeskog, who continues to recover from a knee injury that has kept him out since June 2022.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, the infirmary includes Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner, both suffering from upper-body injuries. Jenner has been on the sidelines since March 28, a lengthy absence that has tested the depth of the Blue Jackets roster.
The Detroit Red Wings face a dilemma in goaltending depth, with Alex Lyon injured and Cam Talbot dealing with a lower-body ailment, though not on injured reserve. Their prospects could hinge on the health of their netminders as the season progresses.
The Edmonton Oilers anxiously await the return of Evander Kane, who underwent hip and hernia surgeries, expecting his comeback in February 2025. Kane's offensive prowess will be vital for the Oilers' playoff push.
California's hockey teams are also feeling the pinch. The Los Angeles Kings are without Drew Doughty, recovering from ankle surgery, and Darcy Kuemper, on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. The San Jose Sharks are experiencing setbacks with the absence of Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture, necessitating strategic adjustments.
In Minnesota, Mats Zuccarello is contending with an upper-body injury, projected to return in 3-4 weeks. The Wild anticipate his recovery to bolster their forward lines.
The New York Islanders are juggling a series of injuries themselves, with Anthony Duclair, Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Mike Reilly all sidelined. This wave of injuries underscores the critical importance of depth and endurance in this marathon season.
Philadelphia Flyers' fans remain hopeful as they await the return of Jamie Drysdale and Samuel Ersson, both on injured reserve, while the St. Louis Blues have suffered a blow with Torey Krug out for the season following ankle surgery. As St. Louis adjusts, their long-term strategies will be put to the test.
The Seattle Kraken's Jordan Eberle is expected to return in February 2025 after undergoing pelvic surgery, adding potential firepower to their lineup as the season enters its crucial phases.
Toronto Maple Leafs are not spared, struggling with injuries to Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Pacioretty, all dealing with lower-body afflictions. Their capacity to stay competitive will depend on how they manage these absences.
The Utah Hockey Club is also in a bind, coping with injuries to John Marino (upper-body) and Sean Durzi (shoulder), the latter expected to be sidelined for 4-6 months. This presents a formidable challenge as the team navigates their schedule.
The NHL's injury woes this season are proving a formidable obstacle for teams aiming to solidify their contention for playoff spots. As the list of sidelined players grows, franchises are forced to test their depth and resilience, underscoring the unpredictable and demanding nature of professional hockey.