Winnipeg Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury stretchered off after hard collision

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury was removed from the ice on a stretcher during Tuesday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Canada Life Centre. The incident occurred in the first period at the 13:16 mark when Fleury attempted a breakout pass from behind his net. Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar delivered a check that sent Fleury sliding backward into the end boards with significant force. His upper body and the back of his helmet made hard contact with the dasher, prompting immediate concern from players and officials.

The Jets’ bench emptied in a show of support as medical staff attended to Fleury. No penalty was called on Kolesar for the hit, which appeared to be a standard board battle but resulted in an awkward landing. Fans in the arena fell silent as the stretcher was brought out, highlighting the gravity of the moment. The game paused for several minutes while Fleury was carefully loaded and wheeled off the ice.

Details of the collision

Fleury had possession of the puck in the defensive zone and fired a pass toward the neutral zone. Kolesar closed in quickly, delivering a check to Fleury’s chest that propelled him backward. Instead of staying on his feet, Fleury lost balance and slid uncontrollably into the boards behind the net. The impact was violent, with his back and helmet absorbing the brunt of the force.

Video replays showed Fleury remaining down on the ice, clutching at his neck and upper body. Trainers from both teams rushed to his side, stabilizing his head and neck immediately. Kolesar, visibly shaken, skated over and appeared to speak words of concern to Fleury as he was stretchered away. This sequence unfolded with just over six minutes left in the period.

The hit sparked debate among analysts about its legality. While no penalty was assessed, some questioned if it warranted further review for potential discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety. According to NHL.com, Fleury’s head and upper body made principal contact, but officials deemed it clean in real time.

The atmosphere in Winnipeg turned tense, with the home crowd holding its breath. Posts on X captured the moment, with one user noting, “Haydn Fleury went hard and backwards into the boards. He’s down on the ice and they are bringing out the stretcher. Very quiet in the arena.” Such reactions underscored the fear of a serious injury.

Haydn Fleury’s background and career

Fleury, a 29-year-old from Saskatchewan, Canada, is in his second season with the Jets. Selected seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2014 NHL Draft, he has bounced around the league. His stops include Carolina, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, and now Winnipeg.

Over nine NHL seasons, Fleury has played 323 games, tallying 10 goals and 34 assists for 44 points. He signed a two-year, $1.9 million extension with the Jets in June 2025, securing his spot through the 2026-27 season. Known as a defensive specialist, he brings physicality to the blue line.

This season has been tough for Fleury, appearing in 17 games with no points and a minus-7 rating. He has recorded 26 blocks and 23 hits, contributing in non-scoring ways. However, injuries have plagued him, including missing 17 games due to a concussion and time sidelined with a knee issue.

• Career teams: Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, Winnipeg Jets
• Draft details: 7th overall, 2014 NHL Entry Draft
• 2025-26 stats: 17 GP, 0 G/A, 26 blocks, 23 hits
• Contract: 2 years, $1.9M (through 2026-27)

Despite modest offense, Fleury’s steady play earned him the extension. As detailed in The Athletic, he has been a reliable depth defenseman amid Winnipeg’s struggles.

Team reaction and aftermath

The Jets showed immediate solidarity, with their entire bench spilling onto the ice. Captain Adam Lowry responded aggressively on the next shift, dropping the gloves with Kolesar in a brief but intense fight. The two traded punches before Kolesar slipped, leading to penalties for both.

Lowry’s actions fired up the team and crowd, channeling frustration into energy. Kolesar, who seemed remorseful, received a roughing minor while Lowry was penalized for fighting. This tilt-the-ice moment helped Winnipeg regain composure after the scary pause.

Head coach Scott Arniel later praised the team’s unity. “Our guys rallied around Haydn; that’s our identity,” he said in postgame comments. The Jets went on to compete fiercely, though their season record stands at 15-21-4, near the bottom of the Central Division.

Frustration boiled over elsewhere, with one X post noting Jets players smashing sticks on the bench. The incident united the locker room, emphasizing the brotherhood in hockey.

Injury status and medical update

The Jets issued a statement confirming Fleury was transported to a local hospital via ambulance. “Haydn is fully alert and moving his extremities upon departure,” the team announced. No further details on the nature of the injury were released immediately.

Medical personnel prioritized neck and spine precautions due to the backward slide and head contact. Fleury’s history of concussions raises concerns about potential protocols. The NHL Players’ Association monitors such cases closely.

As of Wednesday, no timeline for return was given. The team promised updates when available. Fans and teammates expressed relief at the initial positive signs.

Experts like those at The Hockey News highlighted Fleury’s injury-prone season. “He’s battled setbacks, but his resilience is notable,” one report stated. Recovery will be key for Winnipeg’s depth.

Implications for the Jets blue line

Winnipeg’s defense is already thin, and Fleury’s absence could strain the group. With a poor record, every healthy body matters in the playoff push. Prospects may get called up from the AHL if he’s out long-term.

The incident tests the team’s depth chart:

1. Top pairs remain intact with Morrissey and DeMelo.
2. Third-pair options like Pionk step up.
3. Roster moves possible before trade deadline.

Kolesar’s hit, while clean, reminds players of hockey’s risks. It may fuel Jets’ motivation against Vegas in future matchups.

Long-term, Fleury’s extension assumes availability. A prolonged absence impacts cap space and planning.

The Jets face Anaheim next, providing a chance to regroup. What it means for the standings: every point counts in a tight race.

Fleury’s status remains the priority as Winnipeg hopes for a quick recovery. The hockey world wishes him well, underscoring the sport’s dangers. Updates will shape the narrative moving forward, but early signs are encouraging. The resilience of players like Fleury defines the NHL grind.