Winnipeg Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury suffered a frightening injury early Tuesday night, leaving the ice on a stretcher during a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at Canada Life Centre. The incident cast a long shadow over the game, shifting focus away from the result and toward player safety.The hit occurred in the first period and brought an immediate hush over the building, as teammates and medical staff quickly realized the seriousness of the situation.
Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury hospitalized after first-period hit from Keegan Kolesar
The injury happened at the 13:16 mark of the opening period as Fleury attempted to clear the puck from his defensive zone. Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar made contact as Fleury crossed over near the end boards, sending the Jets blueliner sliding awkwardly into the wall. Fleury’s head and upper body absorbed most of the impact, prompting an immediate stoppage as trainers rushed to his side.Fleury remained down on the ice for several minutes before being carefully placed on a stretcher and transported off. No penalty was assessed on the play, a decision that drew quiet scrutiny but little immediate protest, given the concern surrounding Fleury’s condition.After the game, Jets head coach Scott Arniel described the sequence as an unfortunate convergence of timing and positioning rather than a malicious play. Arniel noted that Kolesar was not directly on top of Fleury, but the defenseman lost balance while crossing over, which led to the violent collision with the boards. The coach acknowledged how unsettling the moment was, calling it a “scary situation” that no one wants to see.Arniel confirmed that Fleury stayed overnight in the hospital for further evaluation. The defenseman suffered a broken nose, along with injuries affecting his head, neck, and back. According to the Jets, Fleury is undergoing a series of tests to determine the full extent of the damage, with no immediate timeline provided for his return.From a hockey standpoint, Fleury has yet to record a point in 17 games this season for Winnipeg, but his role has gone beyond the scoresheet. He has provided depth on the blue line during a challenging campaign for the Jets, who now sit at 15-21-5.For Winnipeg, the loss to Vegas became secondary. The immediate concern remains Fleury’s health and recovery, a reminder of how quickly a routine play can turn dangerous in the NHL, and how fragile the line is between competition and risk.
About the Author
