MacKinnon removed for precautionary reasons in blowout win over Predators
Nathan MacKinnon was taken out of Thursday night's game against the Nashville Predators for precautionary reasons, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told the assembled media, including Altitude Sports Radio, postgame.
The star forward departed the 9-4 Avalanche win late in the second period. The club announced in the third period he wouldn't return due to an upper-body injury, according to The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark.
It's unclear how MacKinnon suffered the ailment, but his final shift came with 2:07 left in the second frame.
The 24-year-old center scored a goal and added three assists while taking 10 shots on goal before exiting.
Colorado is already dealing with injuries to MacKinnon's fellow top-line forwards, Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog.
MacKinnon has amassed nine goals and 13 assists in 16 games this season.
HEADLINES
- Trade grades: Wild instantly become Cup contenders, Canucks score quantity
- Bedard injured in final second vs. Blues on 'freak accident'
- Canucks GM: Hughes trade not because of a culture problem
- Canucks trade Hughes to Wild in blockbuster
- Trade grades: Oilers gamble on Jarry, Penguins make out like bandits