Arizona Coyotes trainers and medical staff cart Arizona Coyotes right winger Clayton Keller (9) off the ice during the third period against the San Jose Sharks. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Coyotes' Clayton Keller hospitalized, out for season with leg injury

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/31/22

The Arizona Coyotes defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-2 on Wednesday but suffered a brutal loss in the process.

Per Alan Robinson of the NHL's website, Arizona forward Clayton Keller went down with a scary-looking leg injury with 5:15 remaining in the contest and was ultimately removed from the ice on a stretcher.

Clayton Keller leaves the game on a stretcher after an awkward wipe-out into the boards. Have a thumbs up on his way off but clearly in a ton of pain. Hoping for the best, he’s had a terrific season. #Yotes pic.twitter.com/pgQFhrGuO9
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) March 31, 2022

Keller was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, and the 23-year-old confirmed on Thursday morning he was still at the medical facility and won't play again this spring.

Want to thank my teammates, the fans, and medical personnel for the love and support last night! Unfortunately the season’s over for me, but I’m resting comfortably at the hospital in good spirits. I will be back better than ever for day 1 next season!!!!
— Clayton Keller (@ClaytonKeller37) March 31, 2022

As noted by Tracey Myers of the league's website, Arizona was eliminated from playoff contention earlier this week.

"We know it will be long term, but he will recover," Coyotes coach Andre Tourigny said about Keller's status. "We're all sad not just with him getting hurt but being in pain like that. ... He's the heart and soul of our team."

Tourigny added multiple Arizona players "were in shock" upon witnessing the incident and realizing the nature of the injury.

According to ESPN stats, Keller ends his season leading the Coyotes with 63 points, 28 goals, and 35 assists tallied across 67 games.

"I know that him and [Sharks defenseman Nicolas Meloche] made some contact, probably five seconds before that happened," San Jose coach Bob Boughner added about the play, per ESPN and The Associated Press. "It looked like he just lost an edge or lost his balance going in. He went in pretty nasty. Not good to see."

The last-place Coyotes next host the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.

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