Brad Richardson

Coyotes player hospitalized after suffering awkward leg injury

Published Dec. 9, 2016 12:26 p.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

The Arizona Coyotes had a rough night in Vancouver on Thursday. Not only did the Yotes blow a tw0-goal lead and fall 3-2, but they also lost a key veteran leader to what appears to be a significant injury.

During the second period, Brad Richardson collided with Nikita Tryamkin of the Canucks and crumpled to the ice awkwardly. It was clear that the 31-year-old Richardson was in serious pain, as he threw off his gloves and grabbed his face in anguish before calling to the Arizona trainers on the bench.

After being evaluated by the trainers, Richardson left the ice on a stretcher as the medical team stabilized his right leg with the help of a pillow. He was later hospitalized and, following the game, Coyotes coach Dave Tippett didn't sound very optimistic about the prognosis.

It's already been a rough start to the season performance-wise for this young Coyotes team, so losing Richardson, who Tippett described as "a real heart and soul player," would be brutal.

Update: Richardson reportedly suffered a broken tibia and fibula on the play and will miss several months.

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Brad Richardson

Arizona Coyotes

National Hockey League