WASHINGTON — Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler has a concussion and will be out at least a week after a scary fall Monday night in Philadelphia.
Coach Travis Green says Edler needed stitches but did not have any facial fractures after going to the ice head-first during a 2-1 loss and being wheeled off on a stretcher. Green said before Tuesday’s game at Washington that Edler was released from the hospital and returning to Vancouver.
Edler’s skate got caught in the stick of Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek, causing the 32-year-old Swede to lose his balance and slam into the ice midway through the first period.
Rookie goaltender Thatcher Demko was injured in warmups Monday, forcing Jacob Markstrom to make back-to-back starts. Green said Demko was having an MRI on one of his knees.
The Canucks recalled defenseman Guillaume Brisebois and junior goalie Mike DiPietro before facing the Capitals. Green figures DiPietro will be with the team through its game at Chicago on Thursday.