Alexis Lafreniere, who suffered an apparent left knee injury after colliding with Russian goalie Amir Miftakhov during the second period of Canada’s 6-0 loss on Saturday, hasn’t been ruled out of competing in the rest of the World Junior tournament.
“He’s not been ruled out yet of the world junior tournament,” Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston said during the Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada. “It’s obviously a big year for him his draft year, and he’s not going to risk himself, but I do think there’s a chance we see him playing for Canada again.”
The 18-year-old had to be helped off the ice after the collision with Miftakhov and did not appear to be able to put any weight on his leg.
“He’s had an MRI and it’s not as bad as it was initially feared,” Johnston added. “Now they’re waiting for final word from the medical staff.
“He took that MRI at a hospital in Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Those images were sent back to Calgary to be looked at by doctors and they’ll determine just how serious this is.”
The Quebec native had a goal and three assists in Canada’s opening game against the U.S. and is widely considered the No. 1 prospect eligible for the 2020 NHL draft.
Canada’s next game at the tournament is Dec. 30 against Germany.
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