NHL Buzz: Updates from the 2024-25 Season
Welcome to the NHL Buzz! As the 2024-25 season unfolds, NHL.com is your go-to source for all the latest news and updates from around the league. Let’s dive into the current happenings with various teams, focusing on player injuries, game performances, and what’s next for each franchise.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are facing some uncertainty with their star rookie, Macklin Celebrini. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft did not practice on Friday due to a lower-body injury and is still undergoing evaluation. Celebrini made a notable debut in the NHL, contributing a goal and an assist in 17:35 of ice time during a thrilling 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky expressed concern about Celebrini’s availability for their upcoming game against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. "He’s still being evaluated today, so I [can’t] answer that question," Warsofsky stated, leaving fans anxious about the rookie’s status.
Florida Panthers
In Florida, the Panthers are dealing with a potential setback as Aleksander Barkov sustained an apparent leg injury during a 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Barkov left the game with just over a minute remaining in the third period after colliding with the boards while battling for the puck with Senators forward Tim Stutzle. He was unable to put weight on his right leg as he was assisted off the ice.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice indicated that Barkov would undergo further evaluation, stating, "He’s going to get looked at here tonight and probably tomorrow, as well." The Panthers did not practice on Friday and are set to face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Barkov, who was instrumental in the Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory last season, has one assist in two games this season, and his absence would be a significant blow to the team.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are also grappling with injury concerns, as Jonathan Drouin is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Drouin was hurt during an 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday and will miss at least the next two games, including Saturday’s matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Monday’s game against the New York Islanders.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed Drouin’s absence, emphasizing the need for the remaining players to step up. "Every guy that’s missing makes the job more difficult, but it forces our team to dig in on the details and the commitment side of the game right away," Bednar said. Nikolai Kovalenko is expected to fill Drouin’s spot on the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen.
In a move to bolster their roster, the Avalanche claimed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. Kahkonen, who struggled last season, will be looking to find his footing with Colorado.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are facing a significant challenge with defenseman Nick Seeler placed on injured reserve due to numbness in his right leg. Seeler’s injury occurred while he was attempting to block a pass during a preseason game against the Boston Bruins. Coach John Tortorella noted that Seeler’s absence leaves a "big hole" in the team’s defensive strategy, particularly in penalty killing.
With Seeler sidelined, Erik Johnson is set to enter the lineup, and the Flyers have recalled defenseman Emil Andrae from the AHL. The Flyers are gearing up for their season-opening road trip, facing the Calgary Flames on Saturday.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are optimistic about the potential return of Matthew Poitras, who could make his season debut against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Poitras missed the first two games due to an undisclosed injury but has been progressing well. Coach Jim Montgomery expressed hope, stating, "He’s very close, he’s progressing the right way."
Poitras practiced on the third line and is eager to return to meaningful play after a long absence due to a shoulder injury that ended his previous season prematurely. "I just want to get out there and play," Poitras said, reflecting the excitement of returning to the ice.
Detroit Red Wings
Lastly, the Detroit Red Wings will be without Jeff Petry for their game against the Nashville Predators on Saturday due to an upper-body injury sustained in a recent match against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Petry’s absence will be felt, and coach Derek Lalonde confirmed that he is day-to-day, with hopes he might return for Monday’s game against the New York Rangers.
In response to Petry’s injury, the Red Wings have recalled Justin Holl from the AHL, ensuring they have enough depth on defense as they navigate the early part of the season.
As the NHL season progresses, teams are continuously adapting to injuries and lineup changes, making every game a critical part of the journey. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!