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5 NHL players looking to make a comeback in 2024/25 season ft. Patrik Laine
With NHL training camps just around the corner, players and coaches will be coming together to get ready for this upcoming season.
Among the hundreds of players gearing up for roster spots on their respective NHL clubs, some players stand out as they look to make a comeback following a serious injury or personal issues. So, let’s take a look at five NHL players looking to make a comeback in 2024-25.
5 NHL players looking to make a comeback this upcoming season
#5: Jani Hakanpää
Hakanpää formerly played for the Dallas Stars. He played two full seasons before his campaign was cut short due to a serious knee injury last year.
While the injury is considered to be career-threatening, Hakanpää will be looking to get back on the ice. It was rumored that he was in talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs; however, a contract has yet to materialize.
It appears the Leafs are waiting for a medical clearance before inking the 6’7” Finnish blueliner. Nevertheless, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Hakanpää attempts to get back on the ice.
#4: Blake Wheeler
Wheeler was in the midst of a productive season with the New York Rangers last year before being sidelined in March.
He missed the rest of the regular season, returning to appear in one playoff game. At 37-years-old, Wheeler may be looking at the twilight of his career, especially since the Rangers did not offer him a contract this upcoming season.
Wheeler has expressed his desire to return to the NHL. So, there’s a fair chance any number of teams would give him a shot at getting back on the ice.
#3: Gabriel Landeskog
Like Hakanpää, Landeskog has been dealing with a potentially career-ending knee injury. Landeskog has missed the last two seasons as he rehabs from surgery.
The Colorado Avalanche captain has expressed his desire to remain in the NHL and looks to come back this upcoming season. While there is no specific timeline for his return, the Avalanche have stated the club is willing to do everything it can to support Landeskog in his return.
#2: Dougie Hamilton
In 2023, Hamilton played in 20 games before going down with a season-ending pectoral injury. The loss drastically altered the New Jersey Devils’ fortunes and contributed to a disappointing season.
Now healthy, Hamilton will be looking to return to his usual elite self, helping the Devils get back into the playoff picture. Hamilton has stated he’s fully recovered, so there shouldn’t be any setbacks this fall.
#1: Patrik Laine
Laine essentially missed the entire season last year after appearing in just 18 games. While he notched six goals during that span, a shoulder injury plus a stint on the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program kept him off the ice last season.
Following his trade to the Montreal Canadiens, Laine has expressed his commitment to his new club, assuring fans he’s fully healthy and ready to contribute in any way he can.
If all goes well for Laine, he could be an early favorite to take home the 2025 Masterton Trophy.
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