Welcome to the buzz surrounding the 2024-25 NHL training camp. With training camp underway, NHL.com is here to provide you with the latest updates.
Dallas Stars
According to general manager Jim Nill, Jason Robertson is likely to miss a significant portion of training camp following surgery on July 31 to remove a cyst from his foot.
Despite this setback, the forward is expected to be ready for the regular season’s start.
“While training, he experienced discomfort in his foot,” Nill explained. “An MRI revealed a cyst that required surgical removal. He’s been undergoing six weeks of non-weight bearing activity. Jason has just begun skating. He’s present at camp but will not join the main team for skating. We’ll limit his activity and keep a close eye on his foot to ensure proper healing.”
This marks the second time in three seasons that Robertson has missed most of training camp. He sat out the entire training camp at the beginning of the 2022-23 season while finalizing a contract. Following that, he had the most fruitful offensive season of his career, scoring 46 goals and totaling 109 points in the regular season.
“As Jason mentioned, the last time he missed training camp, he hit a point-per-game pace in the first 40 games or so, so he’s not overly concerned. He’s less worried about it than I am,” stated Stars coach Pete DeBoer. “I’d prefer to have him miss training camp rather than miss any regular-season games.”
“He’s evolved as an athlete compared to three or four years ago. He’s now more mature and understands how to manage such situations. He’s keeping himself in excellent shape and has a strong desire to exceed last year’s performance. That’s somewhat reassuring for me.”
Last season, Robertson led the Stars with 80 points (29 goals, 51 assists) and recorded 28 power-play points in 82 games. He tied for the team lead with 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Stars will kick off the preseason against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday and begin the regular season at the Nashville Predators on October 10. — Taylor Baird
Pittsburgh Penguins
Erik Karlsson is considered day-to-day due to an upper-body injury.
The defenseman did not participate in practice when the Penguins launched their training camp on Wednesday.
Karlsson played all the games last season, leading Pittsburgh’s defensemen with 56 points (11 goals, 45 assists) following his acquisition from the San Jose Sharks on August 6, 2023, in a three-team trade that also included the Montreal Canadiens.
The 34-year-old typically played alongside Marcus Pettersson on the second defense pair but took over for long-time Penguins defenseman Kris Letang at the top power play point.
Karlsson boasts a record of 817 points (189 goals, 628 assists) across 1,002 NHL games played for the Ottawa Senators, Sharks, and Penguins. — Wes Crosby
Buffalo Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin exited early during the first practice of training camp on Wednesday due to an injury and did not return.
“I don’t have any updates; it was just one of those moments where he passed the puck and something happened,” coach Lindy Ruff commented. ”For precautionary reasons, we pulled him off. He’ll be evaluated to determine the situation.”
The defenseman was involved in several drills before leaving the ice with a “mid-range” body issue, as described by Ruff.
Dahlin led the Sabres with 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) last season, ranking fifth in the NHL for ice time per game (25:25).
“He’s a game-changer every night,” forward Alex Tuch noted. “His consistency in terms of competitiveness has been phenomenal since I arrived, and I’ve witnessed his growth into the player he is now.”
The Sabres will compete against the Pittsburgh Penguins in their first preseason matches on Saturday and are set to begin the regular season against the New Jersey Devils in Prague for the 2024 NHL Global Series Czechia presented by Fastenal on October 4-5. — Heather Engel
Toronto Maple Leafs
William Nylander will begin training camp as a center, alongside Max Domi, according to coach Craig Berube.
Nylander, who tallied 98 points (40 goals, 58 assists) in 82 regular-season games last season, was briefly tested at center at the start of last year’s training camp but primarily played right wing once the season commenced.
“Given his skill set, I believe he can effectively transport the puck from our zone to the offensive zone,” Berube remarked. “He’s strong, tall, and skilled. Having someone like him in the center is a crucial asset.”
Forward Connor Dewar will sit out camp following offseason shoulder surgery.
“He’s making progress without any setbacks, but he won’t be joining us initially as he continues his rehabilitation,” general manager Brad Treliving disclosed.
Dewar contributed five points (one goal, four assists) in 17 regular-season games last year after being acquired from the Minnesota Wild on March 8.
Center Fraser Minten is expected to miss “weeks” due to a high ankle sprain incurred during the 2024 Rookie Showdown against the Montreal Canadiens, where he was checked into the boards by defenseman David Reinbacher.
“The timeline for his return is unclear, but it’s likely to be several weeks,” Treliving stated.
At 20 years old, Minten was anticipated to compete for a position on the Maple Leafs roster during training camp.
Defenseman Ben Danford, who was selected 31st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, suffered a concussion during practice last Thursday while preparing for the Rookie Showdown and will not be available to commence camp.
“He’s making good progress,” Treliving noted. ”Although he’s been sidelined, he is moving in the right direction.” – Dave McCarthy
2024-25 NHL Training Camp Updates: Key Injuries and Team Insights
Overview of NHL Training Camps
The NHL training camps for the 2024-25 season have officially kicked off, bringing excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike. As teams gear up for the regular season, it’s crucial to keep an eye on key injuries and insights that could shape the teams’ performances. This article aims to provide the latest updates on player injuries and valuable insights into team dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Injuries Impacting Teams
Injuries can significantly affect team performance, especially during training camps. Here’s a rundown of notable injuries reported during this year’s NHL training camps:
- Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers): Suffered a minor lower-body injury during practice, expected to miss the first week of training camp.
- Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs): Currently recovering from offseason wrist surgery, slated to return by mid-September.
- Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers): Dealing with a minor groin strain, but is projected to be ready for the start of the regular season.
- Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals): Managing a knee issue; will be monitored closely throughout training camp.
- Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils): Recently suffered a concussion but is expected to return before the end of the camp.
Team Insights: What to Watch For
Each team is approaching the training camp with unique strategies and storylines. Here are some insights into what to expect:
Edmonton Oilers
With the absence of McDavid in training camp, the Oilers will look to players like Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to step up. The team’s depth will be tested, but it could provide an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talents.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs are focusing on building chemistry, especially with the new additions to their roster. With Matthews’ recovery, it will be crucial for them to establish a rhythm in his absence. Watch for how their defensemen adjust to these changes.
New York Rangers
The Rangers are banking on Shesterkin’s return to full strength. Their goaltending depth will be essential to maintain momentum as they prepare for the regular season. Look for an increase in competition among forwards vying for starting positions.
Washington Capitals
Ovechkin’s knee issue could affect the Capitals’ scoring depth. The team is focused on integrating younger players into the lineup, making it a critical time for their development.
New Jersey Devils
With Hughes out, the Devils have an opportunity to evaluate their depth at center. This could lead to increased responsibilities for players like Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer during training camp.
Player Performance: Rising Stars to Watch
Training camp is also a stage for emerging talent. Here are some rising stars to keep an eye on:
- Matthew Boldy (Minnesota Wild): Boldy has shown great potential in previous seasons and looks ready to take on a larger role this year.
- Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks): Known for his offensive skills from the blue line, Hughes is expected to continue developing into one of the league’s elite defensemen.
- Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks): Zegras is a player to watch as he looks to build on his rookie season and become a cornerstone for the Ducks.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
Staying updated during training camp can be a challenge. Here are some practical tips for fans and analysts alike:
- Follow Social Media Accounts: Teams often post real-time updates on injuries, lineups, and player performance on their social media channels.
- Check Sports News Outlets: Websites like ESPN, TSN, and The Athletic provide in-depth coverage of training camp developments.
- Engage in Fan Forums: Join discussions on platforms like Reddit or team-specific forums to get insights from other fans and analysts.
Injury Recovery Processes
Understanding how players recover from injuries is critical for both fans and teams. Here’s an overview of common recovery processes:
- Physical Therapy: Most players undergo structured rehabilitation programs tailored to their specific injuries.
- Strength Training: Strength workouts are essential to regain lost muscle and prevent future injuries.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular assessments by team medical staff ensure that players are on track for a safe return.
Case Studies: Successful Comebacks
Examining successful comebacks can provide hope and inspiration. Here are two noteworthy examples:
| Player | Injury | Recovery Time | Return Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidney Crosby | Concussion | Over 6 months | Scored 36 points in 24 games following return |
| Steven Stamkos | Leg Injury | Approximately 4 months | Scored 29 points in 23 games after recovery |
Conclusion: Training Camp as a Prelude
As the 2024-25 NHL training camps progress, fans should remain attentive to both injuries and team strategies. The insights gathered during this time will significantly influence the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates as teams finalize their rosters and prepare for what promises to be an exciting NHL season!
