Chicago Blackhawks forward Jujhar Khaira has been placed on injured reserve and in concussion protocol after being hit hard by New York Rangers defenceman Jacob Trouba on Tuesday night.
Khaira was released from hospital earlier Wednesday after extensive testing, Blackhawks head team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a statement released earlier.
Thinking of you Jujhar pic.twitter.com/w0cDyDodIV
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 8, 2021
“Despite the significant injury, his prognosis is excellent, and we expect a full recovery. At this point, it is too early to put a timeline on return to play," Terry said.
Khaira was stretchered off the ice on Tuesday after the hit.
Khaira has a history of experiencing documented head injuries during his NHL career, with at least two incidents -- one stemming from a fight with Calgary Flames forward Brett Ritchie and the other from a hit delivered by Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexander Romanov -- coming in the last year.
The hit during Tuesday's game occurred midway through the second period, with the Blackhawks trying to skate the puck out of their own zone. Khaira was attempting to receive a pass just before the blue line when Trouba connected with him on a hard hit, shoulder to chest, that knocked Khaira down, at which point his head appeared to hit the ice.
Khaira stayed down and motionless for several minutes. A brief scrum ensued between the Rangers and Blackhawks in the immediate aftermath of the hit, while medical personnel rushed to Khaira, but dispersed shortly after.
Several members of both teams then stood and watched as Khaira was taken by stretcher off the ice, with some players appearing to offer Khaira words or gestures of support.
Khaira, 27, has two goals and no assists in 18 games in his first season with the Blackhawks. He signed a two-year contract in July that carries a $975,000 salary-cap hit.
Khaira was selected by Edmonton in the third round of the 2012 draft. He made his debut with the Oilers on Nov. 28, 2015, becoming the third player of Punjabi descent to play in the NHL.
Khaira has 26 goals and 39 assists for 65 points in 276 career games.
--with files from The Canadian Press
Editor's note: The following video shows the hit Khaira received, followed by him being taken off the ice by stretcher. Though efforts were made to remove footage of him immediately following the hit, it may still be distressing for some viewers. Please exercise discretion before watching.
