BREAKING | Habs young gun Jesperi Kotkaniemi spent night in hospital after worrying splenic injury

The Laval Rocket announced today that forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi suffered a splenic injury during the first period of last night’s game against the Cleveland Monsters.

Jesperi was taken to the hospital in Cleveland, where he spent the night under observation.

The Habs' third overall choice in 2018's entry draft is scheduled to return to Montreal later today, and will undergo further evaluation by the Canadiens’ medical group.

His recovery period has not been determined for the moment, and an update will be provided in the coming days.

It is another tough break for the Canadiens' young center. He was sent down in the AHL early in 2020 after a rough start to the season plagued by injuries. After a promising first season last year in which he averaged pretty much 0.5 point/game, Jesperi Kotkaniemi struggled a lot this year.

It is also really bad news for the Laval Rockets, who are pushing hard for a playoffs spot. Jesperi Kotkaniemi has managed 1 goal and 12 assists for 13 points in 13 games since he was demoted. He was the Rocket's first line center.

The AHL team is also dealing with injuries to other Habs young guns like Ryan Poehling, Noah Juulsen and Cayden Fleury, who are also sidelined.

More details to come on the extent of Jesperi's injury...

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