Injury Update On Dallas Stars' Joe Pavelski

Thursday, April 20, 2023 ,

Dallas Stars center Joe Pavelski, who has a history of head injuries, has been sidelined due to a concussion he sustained during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.

In that game, Pavelski was checked by Minnesota defenseman Matt Dumba and simultaneously hit in the face by the stick of Wild forward Ryan Hartman, causing him to fall to the ice and hit his head.

He had to be helped off by a teammate and trainer and was since ruled out of Game 2 and placed in the NHL's concussion protocol. He has now been ruled out for the next two games, at least.

This is not the first time Pavelski has left a playoff game with a serious head injury.

As captain of the San Jose Sharks in 2019, Pavelski suffered a concussion in Game 7 of the Western Conference First Round after being cross-checked by Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin and hit by Golden Knights forward Paul Stastny.

Pavelski was able to return in Game 7 of the second round against the Colorado Avalanche, but his injury was a cause for concern for the Sharks.

Given Pavelski's history of head injuries, it is likely that he will miss an extended period of time, but the team's priority is his safety. Coach Pete DeBoer has expressed uncertainty about Pavelski's availability for future games and reiterated the importance of player safety.

In Pavelski's absence, the team will have to adjust their lineup and hope for a speedy recovery for their veteran center.

UPDATE: Pavelski will miss Games 3 & 4. Photo Credit:  Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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