What Happened
The Minnesota Wild placed forward Nico Sturm on injured reserve Tuesday, a day after he was struck in the head by a puck against the Vegas Golden Knights. Sturm was hit on the right side of his helmet by a first-period slap shot from teammate Jared Spurgeon and was taken to hospital for precautionary evaluation. He left the ice slowly with assistance. Minnesota won the game 4-2.
Key Details
- Sturm is out at least a week after the IR placement.
- The puck was a Spurgeon slap shot that hit the right side of Sturm's helmet.
- Sturm went to hospital Monday for precautionary evaluation.
- Justin Kirkland was recalled from AHL Iowa in a corresponding move.
- Kirkland is a former Calgary Flames forward.
- Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno are out with unspecified injuries.
What It Means
Sturm's absence thins a Minnesota fourth line already missing both Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno, leaving the Wild short on veteran depth down the middle and on the wing. Kirkland's recall gives the club an immediate body for the bottom six while Sturm recovers.
What's Next
The Wild face the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, with Kirkland available after his recall from AHL Iowa. Sturm's status will be reassessed as he works through the at-least-one-week IR window.