Sebastian Aho out indefinitely with concussion and lower body injury

The bye week could not have possibly come at a better time for the Carolina Hurricanes to heal up and prepare for the stretch run, but when they return on Saturday they will do so without a key contributor.

The Canes announced Monday that forward Sebastian Aho will be out indefinitely after suffering both a concussion and a lower-body injury on a third-period hit from Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano on Sunday. Aho has not been moved to injured reserve, and as of yet no recall has been made from Charlotte, with that likely to follow on Thursday or Friday before the Canes depart for Detroit.

Aho has yet to miss a game in his two season NHL career, playing all 82 games last season and in each of Carolina’s 45 games this year. At the time of his injury Aho led the team in goals (16) and points (37), and his 21 assists were second on the team to Teuvo Teravainen.

Giordano received a match penalty for the hit, but that was the extent of discipline, as the league department of player safety did not call for a hearing that would have served as a precursor to a potential suspension.