Minnesota Wild forward Nico Sturm was hospitalized for precautionary medical evaluations after taking a slap shot to the head during a 4-2 victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. Head coach John Hynes confirmed the hospital visit following the game in the early hours of Tuesday, though no specific updates regarding the 31-year-old German national player’s exact medical condition were immediately released.
Incident at the End of the First Period
The injury occurred during the closing moments of the opening frame at the Xcel Energy Center. Sturm was positioned near the net attempting a shot when a puck unleashed by teammate Jared Spurgeon caught him squarely on the right side of the head. Sturm dropped to the ice immediately following the impact. Center Michael McCarron and a team trainer helped the Augsburg-born forward to his feet and escorted him off the ice and down the tunnel.
McCarron described the hazardous nature of playing in high-traffic areas around the crease after the game. It felt terrible for me,
McCarron said. We as a fourth line always want to be in front of the net, and pucks are constantly flying past us. That is a pretty dangerous area. That’s why not many players like going in front of the net. It’s scary there, and I just hope everything goes well for him. When I saw him after the first period, he seemed to be doing well.
Expected Absence and Roster Impact
Sturm is expected to miss at least Minnesota’s next scheduled matchup as he undergoes further evaluation. The Wild enter the early stretch of the NHL season with four wins through their first six games, dropping only two contests. However, the club has dealt with significant head injuries dating back to the preseason, when defenseman Brock Faber was diagnosed with a skull fracture after an exhibition game.
McCarron noted that the sudden incident involving Sturm brought immediate flashbacks to Faber’s severe injury during training camp. He was holding his ear, roughly in the same spot,
McCarron said regarding Sturm’s immediate reaction on the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the injury happen?
The incident occurred near the end of the first period during Minnesota’s 4-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights in the early hours of Tuesday.
Who was involved in the play?
Teammate Jared Spurgeon fired the shot that inadvertently struck Nico Sturm on the right side of the head as Sturm attempted a play near the net.
What is Sturm’s current status?
Coach John Hynes confirmed that Sturm was sent to the hospital as a precautionary measure and is expected to miss at least the team’s next game.
