Veteran defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson went straight to the locker room after suffering a big hit late in the third period of their eventual 4-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.
With just under two minutes remaining in regulation, Ekman-Larsson was run into the boards by Golden Knights defenceman Jeremy Lauzon, who then pushed Ekman-Larsson to the ice. Ekman-Larsson stayed down for a moment before skating off under his own power and heading directly to the locker room.
The 35-year-old Ekman-Larsson did not return to action for the remainder of the game or in the overtime period.
After the game, Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said he thinks that Ekman-Larsson is okay, but did not provide any specific injury or any further information beyond that, according to The Hockey News’ David Alter.
Ekman-Larsson finished the contest with 15:22 of ice time. He recorded two hits and a minus-1 rating.
Through five games on the young season, Ekman-Larsson is still seeking his first points. He recorded eight goals and 39 points in 78 games last year with the Maple Leafs, his second season in Toronto.