In a positive update for the Winnipeg Jets and their fans, defenseman Haydn Fleury has been discharged from the hospital and is now recovering at home. This comes after he sustained a significant upper-body injury during a tense NHL matchup.
The Incident: A Frightening Collision
The alarming event unfolded during the first period of Tuesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Canada Life Centre. At the 13:16 mark, Fleury was attempting to clear the puck from his defensive zone when he was hit by Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar. The impact caused Fleury to lose his balance and slide violently into the end boards.
His head, neck, and upper body bore the brunt of the collision with the boards. The force of the hit left him unable to get up, necessitating medical staff to stretcher him off the ice in a sobering moment for players and spectators alike.
Medical Update and Coach's Statement
Jets head coach Scott Arniel provided crucial details on Fleury's condition. While the player was fully alert and could move all his extremities when leaving the arena, subsequent tests revealed specific injuries.
"He does have a broken nose. There's a few different things that happened off it. A little bit of everything. He obviously slammed his back, his neck, hit his head, and then obviously his nose," Arniel stated, describing the multifaceted nature of the impact.
The coach expressed relief that Fleury was able to return home from the hospital on Wednesday night. Further evaluation will monitor for any potential concussion symptoms as part of his ongoing care.
Road to Recovery and Career Context
The immediate focus for the 29-year-old defenseman is rest and rehabilitation. Reports confirm he suffered a broken nose and a badly bruised back from the ordeal. Fans and teammates are undoubtedly relieved that the situation, while serious, did not result in more severe long-term danger.
Now in his second season with the Jets, Fleury has played 17 games this season without recording a point. Over his NHL career, spanning 324 games with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken, and Tampa Bay Lightning, he has tallied 10 goals and 44 points.
The hockey community will be watching for updates on his health, hoping for a full and speedy recovery for the experienced blueliner.
