Former NHLer Kristian Huselius 'lucky to be alive' after fireplace accident

Former NHLer Kristian Huselius considers himself fortunate after surviving an unexpected fireplace accident at his home in Sweden.

Huselius went to pour fuel on his fireplace when it suddenly exploded, causing burns to his face and upper body. He was sent to the intensive care unit for several days before returning home Wednesday.

"I'm really lucky because my whole apartment could have been a big fire," Huselius told Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "The doctor told me I was lucky to be alive. My face is kind of a mess right now. I have a lot of pain - that's a problem too. But they think my face is going to be fine. My shoulder is not as good. I might have to have surgery to get some new skin but I will wait a few weeks to see how much the damage is.

"I'm fortunate. I will have scars, but it could have been worse."

Huselius was drafted 47th overall by the Florida Panthers in 1997. He also had stints with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets over the span of his 10-year career. In 662 NHL games, he notched 451 points.