Coyotes 1st-Round Pick Defenseman Out For "A While" After Scary Injury

Juuso Valimaki's recent injury is a major concern for the Arizona Coyotes, as he is expected to be sidelined for an extended period after taking a puck to the face during Tuesday's game against the Dallas Stars.

Although specific details about the severity of his injury remain undisclosed, reports suggest that he will be out of action for a significant duration.

Scary moment as Arizona defenseman Juuso Valimaki gets hit by a puck in his face. Immediately goes off the ice and down the tunnel. Trail of blood pic.twitter.com/5Fxc2SqXr8

— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) November 15, 2023

This unfortunate incident compounds the challenges Valimaki had been facing on the ice, as he had gone six games without registering a point and was looking to regain his form.

The loss of Valimaki, who played a pivotal role as the quarterback on the power play and averaged over 18 minutes of ice time per game, presents a substantial setback for the Coyotes.

Arizona Roster Updates🚨:

🤕 Juuso Valimaki (D) will be out "a while" after blocking a shot high Tuesday.

🔼Vladislav Kolyachonok (D) has been recalled from Tucson (AHL).

2019 second-round pick (52nd overall) - 3 Pts (2G/1A) in 11 GP in AHL this season. #RunWiththePack https://t.co/JFZhpO9mBv

— Daily Faceoff - Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) November 15, 2023

With Travis Dermott already sidelined, the team now faces the added challenge of adapting to a depleted defensive lineup.

Valimaki had the best season of his young career last year, scoring four goals and 30 total points over 78 games played with the Coyotes.

He is a former first-round pick (16th overall) by the Calgary Flames in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

The Coyotes will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Valimaki's health as they prepare to navigate the obstacles posed by his absence on the ice. Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports