Calgary Flames are grappling with another injury setback, as their promising defenseman Jeremie Poirier faces an indefinite absence due to a laceration on his arm sustained during the AHL's Wranglers' recent victory in Abbotsford. The team disclosed on Wednesday that Poirier requires surgery, which is slated to happen soon.
Notably, there is no available footage of the laceration incident, which is perhaps a fortunate circumstance. The memory of Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane suffering a wrist laceration on Nov. 8 last year against the Tampa Bay Lightning, caused by a skate blade, still looms large. Kane swiftly sought medical attention after clutching the injured area and was rushed off the ice by trainers and the team's medical staff. He underwent surgery that night, followed by a stint on long-term injured reserve. Initially, Kane faced a recovery timeline of three to four months and later grappled with numbness in his fingers and a gradual return to peak form after the harrowing injury.
While the exact location of Poirier's laceration remains undisclosed, the recovery period could be akin to Kane's experience. Poirier, selected by the Flames in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft (72nd overall), currently ranks second in AHL defenseman points.
Poirier's extended absence presents a significant challenge for the Flames' organization, given the growing list of unavailable players due to injuries. Notably absent from the NHL roster are Oliver Kylington (undisclosed/personal), Jakob Pelletier (shoulder), and Kevin Rooney (shoulder).
At the AHL affiliate level, the Wranglers are also contending with injuries, particularly Axel Hurtig and Samuel Honzek.
