Jujhar Khaira injury update: Blackhawks center stretchered off ice after collision with Rangers’ Jacob Trouba

Blackhawks center Jujhar Khaira was stretchered off the ice and transported to a hospital after a massive open-ice hit from Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba during the teams’ match on Tuesday.

Khaira’s injury occurred when he attempted to get control of the puck during the second period of the Blackhawks’ 6-2 loss to the Rangers. Trouba rammed his right shoulder into Khaira’s chin and immediately knocked him out. He flew backward onto the ice and fell still as players from both sides erupted into a scuffle.

Khaira suffered an upper-body blow in the second period and was stretchered off the ice before being taken to Northwestern Hospital for further testing, per the Blackhawks. He was secured with medical personnel after several minutes, and players from both sides tapped the stretcher as he was taken off the ice. Interim Chicago coach Derek King told media after the game that Khaira was talking and responsive in the hospital.

Trouba was not penalized for the hit, though the NHL Department of Player Safety will potentially review the play for further action. In response to the hit, Blackhawks defenseman Riley Stillman dropped his gloves and exchanged a few punches with Trouba. Both players received five-minute major penalties after the brief exchange.

Despite committing multiple penalties, including a hooking penalty in the third period, Trouba scored a goal and recorded an assist during the victory on the road. 27-year-old Khair has two goals in 17 games in his first season with the Blackhawks. Pending further evaluation on his injury, his timetable for return is unclear.

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