NHL Teams Grapple with Injuries, Key Players Sidelined
The 2024-25 NHL season is in full swing, but for many teams, injuries have become an unsettling theme. As fans hope for thrilling games and competitive matches, several key players are facing significant time away from the rink due to various injuries.
In Washington, Capitals fans are holding their breath as Alex Ovechkin nurses a lower-leg injury sustained in a collision with Utah’s Jack McBain. Ovechkin, who last played on November 18, 2024, is currently listed as week-to-week, leaving a gaping hole in Washington’s offensive lineup. Ovechkin's absence is a critical blow, as the Capitals rely heavily on his scoring prowess and leadership.
Moving across the continent, the Vancouver Canucks are grappling with the prolonged absence of Thatcher Demko. The star goaltender's knee issues date back to the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and might see him returning to the ice in early December. His return is eagerly awaited as the Canucks grapple with maintaining their competitiveness in a rigorous league.
Meanwhile, Boston Bruins' defense looks shaky with Hampus Lindholm on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. And while the Carolina Hurricanes have been without their goaltender Frederik Andersen, there’s optimism in Raleigh as Andersen is expected to make a return by mid-November, stabilizing the Hurricanes’ defense as they push through the season.
Injuries in the Western Conference are equally plaguing, exemplified by the Colorado Avalanche. They face significant setbacks with Ross Colton suffering a broken foot and Gabriel Landeskog still sidelined with a knee injury—an unfortunate continuation of an absence that began back on June 26, 2022. The Avalanche must navigate these challenges as they eye another deep playoff run.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, Erik Gudbranson and Boone Jenner are both out with upper-body injuries, with Jenner not having donned the skates since March 28, 2024. This double blow has required the team to delve deep into their roster for alternatives to keep the competitive edge.
Detroit Red Wings are another squad facing depth challenges in the goalkeeper division, as both Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot are dealing with injuries. Notably, Talbot’s lower-body ailment hasn’t placed him on injured reserve yet, but his condition remains closely monitored.
In Edmonton, Evander Kane faces a lengthy recovery process after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries. With a return date projected for February 2025, the Oilers are working to fill the void left by the dynamic forward. The loss of Kane’s physical presence and offensive capabilities is undoubtedly felt.
The Los Angeles Kings are contending with the absence of Drew Doughty, who recently underwent ankle surgery. Additionally, goaltender Darcy Kuemper is an unknown factor as he remains on injured reserve for undisclosed reasons. These injuries have posed a formidable obstacle to preserving the Kings’ strong defensive foundational play.
The injury bug hasn’t spared the Minnesota Wild, with Mats Zuccarello out with an upper-body injury. The talented winger may make his comeback in 3-4 weeks, a timeline that coincides with critical fixtures for the Wild.
For the New York Islanders, the combined injuries of Anthony Duclair, Mat Barzal, Adam Pelech, and Mike Reilly are testing the team’s depth. However, the Islanders remain resilient, banking on their roster's strength to withstand this challenging period.
The Philadelphia Flyers have also been hindered with Jamie Drysdale and Samuel Ersson both relegated to injured reserve. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues face a severe blow as Torey Krug’s season has already ended following ankle surgery, removing a significant piece of their defensive core.
Similarly, the San Jose Sharks are in recovery mode with Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture both sidelined. The practicalities of reshuffling their lines to adapt to these absences are a challenging but necessary task.
Over in Seattle, the Kraken are waiting patiently for Jordan Eberle’s return, which is slated for February 2025 as he recovers from pelvic surgery. His absence creates a gap in the attacking prowess Seattle relies upon.
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a series of lower-body injuries affecting Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and Max Pacioretty. These setbacks require Toronto to intensify their strategic approach, leveraging their bench strength.
The expansion Utah Hockey Club is not immune either, managing injuries to John Marino, who is dealing with an upper-body injury, and Sean Durzi, grappling with a shoulder injury that places his return at 4-6 months away. Such injuries challenge the fledgling team as they look to establish themselves in the NHL.
In sum, this season's injury list is long and significant, impacting nearly every team’s strategy and depth chart management. As athletes work on their recoveries, fans and teams alike are adjusting their expectations, hoping for swift recoveries and triumphant returns to the ice.