Elias Pettersson exits game vs. Habs with lower-body injury

All of Vancouver is sending their prayers to their young Swedish phenom tonight. And most of the hockey world for that matter.

20-year-old Elias Pettersson suffered a lower-body injury Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens after getting tangled with fellow rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi in the second period.

Pettersson was in visible pain following the incident, but he was able to get up and skate off on his own power.

Here’s video of the injury:

Legs are not supposed to bend like that.

The Canucks announced on Twitter shortly afterwards that Pettersson has a lower-body injury and wouldn’t return to the game.

It’s a terrible break for the young superstar, who has been sensational in his rookie campaign. Pettersson had his first career hat trick Wednesday night in Ottawa and was recently named to the 2019 NHL All- Star Game, in addition to being named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December.

It’s hard to tell if Pettersson’s injury will be long-term or anything serious, but his status for Saturday’s anticipated matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs is certainly in question. According to John Shannon of Sportsnet, Pettersson will likely have an MRI on Friday.

Wishing the best for one of the most exciting and enticing players in the game.

UPDATE: Pettersson suffered an MCL sprain and will miss about 1-2 weeks