Vaakanainen crashed heavily into the end boards in Friday's preseason game and had to be stretchered off of the ice. The Ducks said that Vaakanainen was released from the hospital on Friday night and continues to improve. They have yet to issue another update but expect Vaakanainen to miss the start of the season.
Vaakanainen reportedly left warmups earlier than usual and is listed as a scratch for Monday's afternoon game vs. Colorado. Connor Clifton will replace him on the third pair.
Vaakanainen will play for the first time since February 1st, replacing Connor Clifton on the third pair. Vaakanainen has picked up four assists in 13 games while averaging 19:10 TOI/gm this season.
Jeremy Lauzon is likely facing a suspension, so Vaakanainen is here to replace him in the lineup in Detroit. The 21-year-old, former first-round pick (No.18 overall in 2017) has 12 points (4G / 8A) in 42 AHL games this season.
Vaakanainen appeared in the last three games with the Bruins before being sent to the AHL in a "paper move." He has not recorded a point but has averaged 17:25 TOI/gm and will likely be in the lineup in New Jersey on Tuesday.
With Torey Krug out, Vaakanainen will play in his third career NHL game on Tuesday. The former first-round pick (No.18 overall in 2017) didn't register a point in two NHL games last year and had two assists in 15 AHL games before being called-up on Monday.
Tore Krug was hurt late in Sunday's game vs. the Flyers, so Vaakanainen's call-up suggests that Krug will miss Tuesday's game and the 20-year-old defenseman will make his season debut. Vaakanainen was a first-round pick (No.18 overall) in 2017 and has two assists in 15 games with Providence this season.
Vaakanainen has not played since October 23rd and is expected to miss at least a few more games. Vaakanainen has no resumed skating and will likely head back to the AHL once he is healthy anyways.
Vaakanainen was forced to leave Tuesday’s game in Ottawa after getting elbowed in the face by Mark Borowiecki. Borowiecki will face supplemental discipline from the NHL for the hit.
Vaakanainen, 19, has registered two assists in six games with Providence so far this season. The 2017 first round pick (No.18 overall) could draw into the lineup in Vancouver after being called-up on an emergency basis, suggesting someone is hurt.
