NHL Season Marred by Early Injuries to Key Players
The 2024-25 NHL season, while still in its infancy, has already seen an unfortunate spate of injuries affecting some of its star players. These early setbacks underscore the physical toll of the sport and the challenges teams face in maintaining momentum amid player absences.
Most notably, Connor McDavid, the marquee player from the Edmonton Oilers, is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 28. The injury is expected to keep McDavid out of the lineup for two to three weeks, potentially causing him to miss five to six critical games. This absence will test the Oilers' depth and resilience as they navigate the early phase of the season without their captain and top scorer.
In San Jose, the Sharks are coping with their own setback as promising young talent Macklin Celebrini landed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury after just one game. Expectations are high for Celebrini to return in November, allowing him to continue contributing to the Sharks' efforts in the Western Conference.
The Vancouver Canucks are also feeling the impact of injury, with goaltender Thatcher Demko out due to a knee issue. His absence, projected to last three to four weeks, leaves the team relying heavily on backup goaltenders to hold the fort.
Meanwhile, the enduring woes of Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog persist. Having been sidelined since the 2022 postseason, Landeskog underwent both arthroscopic knee surgery and cartilage transplant surgery. His extended recovery journey has been a poignant reminder of the long-term impacts injuries can have on athletes' careers.
Additional injuries across the league include Anaheim Ducks' John Gibson, who recently had appendectomy surgery, and Zach Benson of the Buffalo Sabres, sidelined with a lower-body injury. In Colorado, Artturi Lehkonen is recovering from shoulder surgery, compounding the Avalanche’s challenges with Landeskog out of action.
Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is contending with an upper-body injury, adding to the team's early-season hurdles. Similarly, the Edmonton Oilers are dealing with the absence of Evander Kane, who is recovering from both hip and hernia surgeries. The Los Angeles Kings' defense has been impacted by Drew Doughty's recovery from ankle surgery, which has left a significant void on their blue line.
In the Eastern Conference, the New York Islanders' Anthony Duclair is dealing with a lower-body injury. The St. Louis Blues are also facing dual challenges, as both Torey Krug and Robert Thomas are out—Krug due to ankle surgery and Thomas with a fractured ankle.
Vince Dunn of the Seattle Kraken, Calle Jarnkrok of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and John Marino, playing for the Utah Hockey Club, are each dealing with injuries that are affecting their teams' performances. Dunn's mid-body injury, Jarnkrok’s lower-body issue, and Marino's upper-body injury have forced respective teams to adapt their strategies and rosters.
Of note is the inspiring comeback story of Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks, who is in the process of recovering from testicular cancer. His journey back to the ice serves as a testament to resilience and determination in the face of personal adversity, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.
These injuries will undoubtedly shape the early part of the NHL season, as teams must adapt quickly to fill the gaps left by their star players. As the season progresses, fans and teams alike will be eagerly anticipating the return of these key athletes, while hopeful that the rest of the roster steps up in their absence. The resilience and depth of each team will be tested in what is shaping up to be an unpredictable and challenging start to the season.