Kraken LW Brandon Tanev To Miss Considerable Time After Taking Illegal Hit

Seattle Kraken winger Brandon Tanev was felled by an illegal headshot on opening night last week and hasn't played since. Now the Kraken have announced that Tanev will be out four-to-six weeks with a lower-body injury.

Injury update on #SeaKraken forward Brandon Tanev. pic.twitter.com/iWyK8eibZ8

— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) October 16, 2023

The Vegas Golden Knights' Brett Howden was suspended two games for the illegal hit, but his victim, Tanev, will be out much longer. 

The Kraken winger's left leg seemed to crumple under him awkwardly as he went down from the thunderous impact to his head. 

Brett Howden catches Brandon Tanev up high 🤕

Suspension incoming? pic.twitter.com/Mp3mF5FBm5

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 11, 2023

It's another tough break for Tanev, who has been hit hard by injuries in recent years, as he also missed 52 games in the 2021-22 season due to a torn ACL, and another 24 games the previous year due to upper-body injuries and COVID-19. 

His only full season in Seattle, last year, saw him register 16 goals, 19 assists and 35 points in a middle-six role with a +21 rating, all career highs. 

Tanev now won't be able to return to the Kraken lineup until at least late November. 

Rookie Tye Kartye has filled Tanev's spot in the two previous games.