Reports have differed over the last week on the extent of the injury suffered by Montreal Canadiens prospect Noah Juulsen, but the team has now addressed it directly. In a statement, the Canadiens have explained that Juulsen is out indefinitely with a “vision-related issue that will require time to heal.” There has been some speculation that the injury may be career threatening, but the statement goes on to say that the organization expects a full recovery.
Juulsen was struck in the face by a puck twice earlier this season, but had made a return and played games for both the Canadiens and Laval Rocket of the AHL. Unfortunately if his vision is being affected it may be dangerous for him to continue playing for now.
It’s a tough break for Juulsen, who seems to have one of those every time he’s close to an NHL job. The 21-year old defenseman has dealt with several injuries through his short professional career, only suiting up for a total of 80 games across two levels since his WHL season ended in 2017. The 26th-overall pick from 2015 has flashed real potential in those games, but is going to have to get healthy before any more development can occur. Hopefully he can recover at least by the time the 2019-20 season begins so that he can try to have a full season under his belt when heading to restricted free agency in July 2020.
Not saying that it’ll ever happened or that I even want it but I wonder how many careers could have been saved and extended if some form of cage was mandatory. Pronger and Laperriere definitely come to mind.