The Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings are both grappling with significant player injuries as the NHL 2024-25 season progresses. On February 19, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reduced Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman’s suspension from ten games to eight. The decision followed Hartman’s appeal against the initial suspension imposed for pushing Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle’s face to the ice during a match on February 1, which resulted in Stützle requiring five stitches. Hartman will now be eligible to return on March 4, and his financial penalties will also decrease.
Hartman, who has developed a reputation for being involved in controversial incidents on the ice, faced this suspension after receiving his fifth career penalty for similar conduct. Bettman commented on the case, stating, "There are thousands of faceoffs every NHL season... this was not simply an accident," indicating his disbelief of Hartman's claim of accidental contact during the incident.
Meanwhile, the Wild's challenges have compounded as center Joel Eriksson Ek has also been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury sustained during practice on February 20. Eriksson Ek's absence creates additional pressure on the team, which is already without star forward Kirill Kaprizov, who has been sidelined since late December due to surgery for his own lower-body injury. Wild's head coach John Hynes expressed the team's need for resilience, stating, "You just have to go about your business the way we do it." With Hartman suspended, the team is left with limited options to fill the gaps, relying on less experienced players to step up.
The situation is particularly tough for the Wild, currently third place in the Central Division. Eriksson Ek had been contributing well to the team this season with nine goals and 24 points but has faced multiple injuries, having missed fifteen games prior this season. The Wild's management, led by general manager Bill Guerin, is keeping close tabs on the financial and roster ramifications of Eriksson Ek’s injury and Hartman's suspension. "This is a big hit for him financially," Guerin remarked on Hartman's penalty, reinforcing the reality of the situation for the players.
On the other side, the Detroit Red Wings also faced significant news when center Andrew Copp underwent successful surgery on February 20 to repair his left pectoral tendon. This surgery is expected to keep him out of action for four to six months. Copp's absence is more than just statistical; his two-way play had become pivotal for the Red Wings and his role as second-line center had rejuvenated under the recent coaching change. With the playoffs on the horizon, losing Copp is particularly tough, especially as the team is trying to snap its eight-year playoff drought.
Head coach Todd McLellan has indicated the team will need to make considerable adjustments to accommodate Copp's absence, and they may look for both internal and external solutions before the upcoming trade deadline. Already, J.T. Compher is set to step up as he has experience centering the second line. Whether Detroit will opt to explore the trade market remains uncertain, especially for general manager Steve Yzerman, who may be hesitant to part with prospects as they remain competitive for playoff aspirations.
Throughout the NHL, teams are tightening their rosters as they adapt to key player losses, highlighting the dire need for strategy and teamwork during the remainder of the season. With the March 7 trade deadline approaching, teams like the Wild and Red Wings will be under increasing pressure to navigate injuries and reassess their standings, with every game becoming increasingly significant for playoff positioning.