Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ilya Mikheyev sprinted off the ice during the third period of Friday’s game, a trail of blood splattering behind him, when Jesper Bratt’s skate blade accidentally lacerated his right wrist.
“It’s terrifying,” goalie Micheal Hutchinson said. “Hopefully he’s alright.”
He was transported to a Newark hospital for evaluation and remained there overnight while the club travelled home to Toronto.
“It was obviously scary there, seeing that much blood. Obviously, a guy that we care deeply about and was having a great night and playing tremendous for us, so thoughts are with him,” Tavares said. “Emotionally, that can hit you a little bit when you see something that can be as dangerous as something like that.”
Mikheyev’s health was at the forefront of the Maple Leafs’ minds. Further details of the injury’s severity is expected Saturday.
The player’s agent, Dan Milstein, emailed the Toronto Sun late Friday to explain that Mikheyev is stable and has full feeling in his hand and fingers. Surgery remained a possibility.
“The bench was a little shaken at the time, and it seemed like every stoppage in play the guys are kind of looking for an update,” Keefe said.
“There’s been lots done to try to prevent these types of things, but some of it isn’t preventable, of course. It’s the nature of the game, but we’ve got to continue to find ways to prevent it as best we can.”
In 39 games with the Maple Leafs this season, the 25-year-old has eight goals and 15 assists.
With fellow wingers Trevor Moore (concussion) and Andreas Johnsson (leg) already sidelined, the Maple Leafs recalled Adam Brooks.
Toronto hosts the New York Rangers Saturday night.
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