Reports out of New York Rangers training camp on Sunday morning indicate center Mika Zibanejad was injured following a hit to the head.
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad suffered a head injury during the first practice session on Sunday morning.
Newsday Sports writer Colin Stephenson initially tweeted out that Zibanejad went to the bench bent over, and looked to be in some discomfort.
Uh-oh. Mika Zibanejad just left the ice in some discomfort. Was bent over as he skated to the bench.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) September 16, 2018
Approximately 20 minutes later, Rangers beat writer for The Athletic, Rick Carpiniello, reported that Zibanejad took a hit to the head and remained down on the ice for a period of time. Zibanejad and Joey Keane were doing a one-on-one drill when the injury occurred.
Mika Zibanejad left the first camp session after taking a hit to the head and staying down on the ice. Not to be an alarmist, but he has a concussion history, including one last season. #NYR
— Rick Carpiniello (@RickCarpiniello) September 16, 2018
A hit to the head is always a hot topic, even more so with the history that Zibanejad has with past concussion injuries. His most recent one was last season where he missed almost a month of the season. If it indeed is a concussion, he will be put in the NHL concussion protocol procedure until he is cleared. This would be a major blow to Mika and the team.
The Rangers reported that there would be no further updates until the third practice session has concluded. That session is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Head coach David Quinn will speak with the media to update the Zibanejad situation and how the team is shaping up for Monday night’s first preseason game.
Ok, #NYR communications say there will be no update on Zibanejad at least until David Quinn meets with the media after the third practice session. That starts at 130.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) September 16, 2018
UPDATE:
After David Quinn met with the media Sunday afternoon, it has been determined that Zibanejad is indeed okay. All the fears over concussion symptoms have been put to rest, as Colin Stephenson reports.
Zibanejad is OK, David Quinn said. Got the wind knocked out of him. Could play tomorrow in first preseason game vs. Devils.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinASteph) September 16, 2018
While Zibanejad dodged a bullet this time, there still is a concern for him moving forward when it comes to hard hits on the ice. But for right now, it seem like Zibanejad could get some ice time Monday night against the New Jersey Devils.
