Avalanche forward escapes severe, career-threatening injury following dangerous play

Last night, just over halfway through the second period during a game between the Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken, Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen crashed awkwardly into the boards after being shoved from behind. The play happened as Lehkonen was chasing after a dump in and as he neared the goal line, making contact with Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak. The contact caused Lehkonen to lose his balance and go into the boards head-first.

Given the speed of Lehkonen and that he went into the boards head-first, many thought that he had suffered a catastrophic injury as he laid on the ice. Thankfully, after a few tense moments, Lehkonen was somehow and surprisingly able to skate off of the ice under his own power. There was no penalty on the play.

Lehkonen was taken to the hospital after he left the game and it was reported that he had full movement and control of his body. The Avalanche did not provide any further update on Lehkonen's condition following the game so his timeline for return is unknown at this time. Through 12 games with the Avs this season, Lehkonen has 3 goals and 8 points.