NHL Updates: Key Player Injuries and Debuts for 2024 Season

As the 2024-25 NHL season kicks off, several teams are dealing with key player injuries and anticipated debuts. NHL.com provides a comprehensive update on the current status of notable players.

Juuse Saros, the Nashville Predators‘ goalie, will not participate in the regular-season opener against the Dallas Stars at Bridgestone Arena. Saros sustained a lower-body injury during a preseason game against the Carolina Hurricanes and is listed as day-to-day. “I’m making progress,” Saros commented on Wednesday, indicating improvement but affirming he did not practice on Tuesday. In his absence, backup goalie Scott Wedgewood is expected to start. The Predators have brought up another goaltender from Milwaukee as a potential backup if needed, according to coverage by Robby Stanley.

Macklin Celebrini is set to make his NHL debut for the San Jose Sharks against the St. Louis Blues at SAP Center. Celebrini, who dealt with a lower-body injury, has confirmed he is fit to play following a recent recovery. “I’m all good,” Celebrini stated, with Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky confirming a prepared plan for his participation. Celebrini, the top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is anticipated to play alongside silver pick talent selected in 2023, increasing fan excitement, reported by Max Miller.

In Los Angeles, Kings forward Arthur Kaliyev is recuperating from a broken collarbone and is expected to return by November. General Manager Rob Blake disclosed a 6-8 week recovery timeline following Kaliyev’s surgery after being injured by a check in training camp. Kaliyev, who missed the latter part of last season, signed a one-year contract, as covered by Dan Greenspan.

For the Vancouver Canucks, Dakota Joshua is resuming skating as he recovers from testicular cancer surgery. Although Joshua did not play in the opener against the Calgary Flames, he remains in high spirits and is slated to join a four-game road trip, noted Coach Rick Tocchet. Joshua had surgery after discovering a tumor in the summer and signed a long-term contract in June, reported by Kevin Woodley.

Brendan Lemieux of the Carolina Hurricanes will miss the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to an undisclosed injury sustained in a preseason game. Coach Rod Brind’Amour confirmed Lemieux’s absence, noting he was “banged up,” as cited by Kurt Dusterberg. The Hurricanes have called up a forward from the AHL as a contingency.

Nick Seeler of the Philadelphia Flyers is in doubt for the game against the Vancouver Canucks. Seeler suffers from leg numbness due to nerve impact sustained during a preseason match. Although day-to-day, it is unclear if he will be fit for the opener, with the team exploring potential roster adjustments, according to Adam Kimelman.