Doctor raises concerns for Oilers' Mattias Ekholm after frightening hit

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm will miss at least a week after leaving Thursday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes with an upper-body injury, and a sports doctor believes concussion protocol is likely.

The scary moment came early in the third period.

Ekholm was playing the puck out of his own end when Hurricanes forward William Carrier caught him with a big hit.

As he fell, his head appeared to hit the ice, and he stayed down on his knees while trainers checked on him before teammates helped him off.

Dr. Harjas Grewal watched the clip and said concussion protocol looks likely for Ekholm.

That is only an outside read based on video, not a diagnosis from the team, so nothing is confirmed.

Under the NHL's concussion protocol, a player has to pass a series of tests before he can return, so timelines can change quickly.

Officially, it is only an upper-body injury.

Head coach Mike Babcock told reporters Ekholm will be out at least a week, admitted the play looked rough, and sounded hopeful about a return within a couple of weeks given how tough the veteran is.

The week estimate is a minimum, not a firm return date.

Shakir Mukhamadullin is expected to draw back into the lineup, and Jake Walman likely moves into the top four to cover the minutes.

Ekholm averages 21:45 per game this season, so those minutes will not be easy to replace.

The 36-year-old signed a three-year, $12 million extension last October that kicks in this season, so Edmonton is counting on him for the long haul.

The Oilers rallied to beat Carolina 6-5 in a shootout after trailing 4-2, but that win may come with a very real cost.

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