NHL Season Returns Amidst Injury Turmoil
As the NHL embarks on its 2024-25 season, teams are grappling with injuries that are reshaping rosters and strategies across the league. Several high-profile players find themselves benched with varying timelines for their return, leaving fans and teams in anticipation.
Maple Leafs Battle Injuries
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing significant setbacks with star player Auston Matthews on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. Matthews, who was placed on the list retroactive to November 3, missed a crucial game against the Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs are hopeful for his return in the forthcoming match against the Ottawa Senators.
Adding to Toronto's woes, Calle Jarnkrok has been dealing with a lower-body injury that was initially projected for a late October return. While his status adds concern, the team remains optimistic about his upcoming contributions.
Islanders and Canucks Navigate Difficulties
The New York Islanders are also navigating injury challenges. Key players Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech are undertaking a four-to-six-week recovery for upper-body injuries. Meanwhile, the defense line faces further strain as Mike Reilly and Alex Romanov are listed day-to-day with minor injuries. Forward Anthony Duclair continues his recovery from a lower-body injury with an expected return by December.
In Vancouver, the Canucks' star goaltender Thatcher Demko faces a lingering knee injury since the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team is hopeful he will rejoin the lineup in early November. On a more positive note, Dakota Joshua is expected to make an imminent return following a courageous battle with testicular cancer.
Challenges for Hurricanes, Avalanche, and Blue Jackets
The Carolina Hurricanes are missing Frederik Andersen, sidelined with a lower-body injury until mid-November. The Colorado Avalanche must adapt without Gabriel Landeskog, still on injured reserve with a knee injury. Additionally, Ross Colton is out for six-to-eight weeks with a broken foot, and Miles Wood will miss approximately a week due to an upper-body injury.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, uncertainty looms as Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner remain out with undetermined return dates associated with their respective upper-body injuries.
Extended Absences Around the League
Looking further, the Edmonton Oilers have a long timeline for Evander Kane, who is expected back in February 2025 following hip and hernia surgeries. The Los Angeles Kings face a similar predicament with Drew Doughty, who is benched with an ankle injury, devoid of a clear timetable for return. The St. Louis Blues’ Torey Krug is set for an extended absence due to ankle surgery, pushing his expected return to the 2025-26 season. His teammate Robert Thomas is out indefinitely after fracturing his ankle.
Other Notable Injuries
In Utah, the Hockey Club's John Marino is recovering from an upper-body injury with no specified return. Meanwhile, Sean Durzi, another Utah player, is dealing with a shoulder injury that could sideline him for four to six months.
As teams across the NHL manage rosters and refine strategies amidst these setbacks, fans can anticipate shifts that could create unexpected opportunities for emerging players. The resilience of these athletes and their teams will assuredly add an intriguing dynamic to this hockey season, keeping the excitement on the ice high.