The Vancouver Canucks have opted to send forward Sven Baertschi home from the team’s road trip due to a concussion suffered in Tuesday’s game against the Nashville Predators. Baertschi travelled with the team to Columbus, but didn’t play in last night’s game, and the team ultimately opted to send him home to Vancouver prior to travelling to Boston. 

Baertschi was injured on what appeared to be a deliberate hit to the head by Cody McLeod early in the first period of Tuesday’s game. He left and didn’t return, and likely won’t be suiting up again for the team until after their road trip concludes on Feb. 16. McLeod didn’t receive any discipline from the NHL for his hit. 

This is obviously a very unfortunate break for both Baertschi and the Canucks, as the 24-year-old forward was enjoying a breakout season in the NHL. Through 50 games this season, Baertschi has recorded 13 goals and 14 assists, putting him just one point shy of matching his career high. 

That said, as we know, concussions and head injuries are tremendously dangerous and should be treated as such. The Canucks currently have a very low likelihood of competing for a playoff spot, so playing it safe with Baertschi is the smart thing to do.