Minnesota Wild defenceman knocked out and bloodied after hit

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Liam
September 24, 2023 (6:21 PM)

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The NHL preseason has officially begun, with fans excited to watch games and teams evaluating their talent. Along with it comes plenty of opportunities for players to make an impression on their GM and make a bit to stay at the highest level. Some players make a literal impression with their physical play.

Today, midway through the second in a game between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche, forward Tanner Keri of the Avalanche delivered a brutal hit against Daemon Hunt.

As Hunt chased a puck behind the net in the defensive zone, Kero accelerated hard anticipating Hunt's path, and caught him hard with his elbow.

Hunt remained down on the ice for a few minutes as trainers came out to attend to him. When Hunt got back up, he was clearly bloodied and appearing disoriented as he skated off the ice.

There's no place in the game for this type of hit at all, injuries happen, but there's absolutely no need to stick your elbow out on an unsuspecting playing, this kind of play has always been horrendous.

This is exactly the type of contact that needs to be punished to a much greater extent, with a goal of eliminating traumatic head injuries like this one. Here there is no accident; Hunt made a clearly malicious play with his elbow and had intent to injure. Maybe even in preseason, the Avalanche will look to internally suspend Kero.