Calgary Flames superstar Johnny Gaudreau exited Monday's game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs briefly when he was leveled along the boards with a hard, but seemingly clean hit from Leo Komarov.

This wasn't a blindside hit by its strict definition. But because the shorter, defenseless Gaudreau was caught watching his pass, and never braced for the high contact from Komarov, the end result of the hit shared elements of what's typical from an illegal blow.

Gaudreau went to the room to undergo concussion protocol, and returned to the game after just a few minutes.

Komarov was not penalized for the hit, but received a roughing minor when Mark Giordano challenged him to a fight.

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.