Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen left Friday night’s game against the Edmonton Oilers with an upper-body injury following a massive hit from Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm in the second period. The incident occurred around the 16:00 minute mark of the second period when Ekholm caught Rantanen with a big shoulder-to-shoulder hit, sending Rantanen into the boards.

Despite the impact, no penalty was called on the play. Rantanen required assistance from the Avs’ medical staff as he left the ice and appeared shaky heading to the locker room.

Rantanen, 27, has had an impressive season, notching 40 goals and 61 assists for 101 points in 77 games. He currently ranks second in goals, third in assists, and second in points on the Colorado Avalanche. In the league, he ranks 11th in goals, seventh in assists, and seventh in points. Rantanen is on pace for 109 points this season, which would set career highs across the board. During the 2022-23 campaign, he achieved 55 goals and 105 points.

Rantanen is in year five of a six-year $55.5 million contract extension he signed with Colorado in 2019, with an average annual value (AAV) of $9.25 million. Throughout his career, the Finnish forward has accumulated 260 goals and 614 points in 567 games over nine seasons.

Following the incident, the Colorado Avalanche, currently ranked second in the Central Division with a 48-23-6 record and 102 points through 77 games, have clinched the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season. They are set to face off against the Dallas Stars on Sunday and the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.

As Rantanen is placed in the concussion protocol and considered day-to-day, his absence could impact the Avalanche’s upcoming games and playoff preparations. The team will need to adapt to his absence and adjust their strategies accordingly.