The Seattle Kraken may be without one of their heart and soul players after a bad hit in their season opener Tuesday night.
Tanev Injured In Season Opener
Late in the 3rd period Kraken Forward Brandon Tanev took a high hit from Vegas's Brett Howden in the neutral zone. Making matters worse, Tanev appeared to land on his left leg awkwardly and he appeared to be in a lot of pain as he laid on the ice.
Eventually, Tanev was able to get off the ice with help from the team trainer. He appeared to be favoring his right leg in the process. Howden was given a match penalty for illegal check to the head and the call was upheld after a short review.
Tanev is known to be a very popular and positive force in the locker room. In addition, he is coming off a career year in which he scored 16 goals and 35 points. If he is out for an extended period of time from this injury it would be a big loss to the Kraken, who are looking to make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time in franchise history.
Seattle Head Coach Dave Hakstol could not provide an update on Tanev's status after the game.