Canada's Alexis Lafrenière leaves game vs. Russia with apparent leg injury

Arun Srinivasan
·Contributing Writer
Updated
Alexis Lafreniere, widely considered to be the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, will be counted upon to lead Team Canada's offence at the 2020 World Juniors. (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Alexis Lafreniere left during the second period of Canada's game against Russia at the World Juniors. (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Canada’s Alexis Lafrenière left Saturday’s game against Russia at the World Junior Hockey Championships with an apparent knee injury in the second period.

Lafrenière cut around Russian defenceman Yegor Zamula and tried to tuck the puck past goaltender Amir Miftakhov, but his leg got trapped underneath him and all his body weight fell onto his ankle as he crashed into the net.

Here is the replay of the incident. We do not advise watching it.

Lafreniere is widely considered to be the top prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft, ahead of fellow Canadian teammate Quinton Byfield.

The 18-year-old submitted a tour-de-force performance against the United States, scoring a goal and three assists, while asserting his will on the game. It really appeared that the 2020 World Juniors would be Lafrenière’s showcase, before he entered the NHL.

No further update was provided but it’s highly unlikely Lafrenière returns to the contest.

Adding insult to injury, Russia quickly scored after Lafrenière exited the game, taking a 4-0 lead.

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