Vancouver Canucks defenseman Troy Stecher is in concussion protocol, according to head coach Travis Green. There is no timeline for his return.
Canucks Troy Stecher Is In Concussion Protocol
Stecher is in concussion protocol, said Coach Green. No timeline on his return.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 19, 2018
Stecher was injured during Tuesday night’s matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a hit from Danick Martel. The league announced Wednesday that Martel will not face supplemental discipline for the high hit.
Martel’s shoulder appeared to make contact with the head of Stecher, who was bent over attempting to play the puck at the blueline in the second period.
Stecher left the game and didn’t return after the hit, while Martel was given a two-minute minor for interference.
What this means
Stecher has 12 points in 36 games this season for the Vancouver Canucks. He is averaging just over 17 minutes per game this season. This injury is yet another blow to the Canucks blueline, just one day after prospect Olli Juolevi underwent knee surgery. Stecher has played sheltered minutes, but his possession game has been strong. He is currently posting a 49.6 percent Corsi-For, with a +4.9 relative Corsi.
The Canucks cannot really afford to lose what they already have. They have shown strides of the good things to come in their future, but the reality hits home hard that they are still in a rebuild. The team is currently in sixth place in the Pacific Division with 36 points in 37 games. They face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.
Main Photo:
ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 21: Troy Stecher #51 of the Vancouver Canucks skates to a puck during the third period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on November 21, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
