Injuries & Updates Revealed on NHL Prospect Who Was Nearly Paralyzed After a Dirty Hit..

Penguins 2021 NHL Draft seventh-round selection, prospect Kirill Tankov was hit frow behind during a game in the KHL. The young Russian may motionless.

According to reports the Penguins prospect, who plays in the Russian KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) narrowly avoided paralyzation; suffering solely just a fracture to his C5 vertebrae, when the hit put tremendous pressure on the player's head, neck and spine. He was stretchered off the ice by arena paramedics and medical staff.

Here's a brief video via twitter, showing the play:

Here's a quote from Match TV:

"Match TV" became aware of the shocking details of the injury of the foward "SKA-Neva" Kirill Tankov, which he received in the match of the regular championship of the VHL against "Dynamo" from St. Petersburg. The player was pushed in the back on board, and then he was taken to the hospital on a stretcher.»

«After the initial examination, doctors diagnosed a fracture of the cervical vertebra, presumably the fifth. With a high degree of probability, Tankov was out of action for a whole year.»

On account of the 20-year-old Tankov 55 matches in the VHL, in which he scored 11 goals and gave 15 assists.

Here's an update of the injury:

Tankov is surely out long-term, the situation will be monitored for further updates.

Get well Kirill!