Canadiens prospect Scherbak reportedly avoids serious injury

Montreal Canadiens prospect Nikita Scherbak was stretchered off the ice and taken to hospital after absorbing a hit along the boards while playing for the WHL's Everett Silvertips on Saturday, but he reportedly avoided a major injury.

After initial tests cleared Scherbak of any head or neck problems, further tests showed no serious nerve or back damage and scans for fractures came back negative, the Silvertips said Sunday according to Nick Patterson of the Everett Herald.

The 18-year-old was discharged and did not have to stay in hospital overnight but left on crutches. He will be evaluated by team doctors Monday.

Scherbak was injured on a legal hit in the second period of the Silvertips' 3-2 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday.

The right winger leads Everett with 11 goals and 17 assists in 19 games.