Canucks' top prospect Vasily Podkolzin rocked and injured by former teammate in the KHL

It was a rough outing for Russian forward and Vancouver Canucks prospect Vasily Podkolzin on Tuesday, as the 10th overall pick in 2019 took a nasty hit to the head in a game against Moscow Spartak.

Podkolzin was hit hard by former NHLer Jori Lehtera, who was also a teammate of Podkolzin with SKA St. Petersburg last season, after attempting to play the puck to a teammate behind SKA's net.

Initially, Lehtera looked as though he was trying to avoid the 19-year-old Podkolzin in order to turn back, but once the contact was initiated, Lehtera followed through and finished his check, sending the young winger crashing to the ice, unable to get up under his own power.

Podkolzin needed the help of his teammates to make it to the bench and even as he walked down the tunnel, he needed to be held up by training staff.

A scary scene indeed for Podkolzin, SKA and the Vancouver Canucks organization. Obviously, all parties concerned are hoping for the best possible outcome, but it certainly doesn't look good at this point, and a concussions seems likely, under the circumstances.

A tough break for Podkolzin, who recently represented his country at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships in Edmonton last month.

In 34 games with SKA St. Petersburg this season, Podkolzin has managed to record 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points - no small feat for such a young player in the most competitive league in Europe.

Here's hoping that that Podkolzin avoids any serious injury and makes a speedy recovery.

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