Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata left Sunday's game late in the third period after taking an awkward fall, but his injury isn't believed to be serious, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Vrbata scored his first goal in February Sunday night, but ended up playing only 12:41 in the contest. He has 12 goals and 12 assists - with nine of those points coming on the power play - in 57 games this season.
His contract set to expire this summer, Vrbata and his $5 million salary and cap hit are expected to be on the move come next week's trade deadline. Vancouver's nine points out of a playoff spot in the Pacific Division, and seven behind in the wild-card race, so all signs point to the club selling off assets as Feb. 29 approaches.
Vrbata, who will turn 35 in June, is in his second season with the Canucks.
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Vancouver Canucks forward Radim Vrbata's trade value was definitely on the rise Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche as he ended a 14-game goalless drought in front of a number of league scouts, but his night took a turn for the worst during the third period.
The pending free agent took an awkward fall while being pursued by defenseman Tyson Barrie in the corner, and the 34-year-old immediately left the game and limped to the dressing room.
Vrbata takes an awkward fall and leaves the game.#Canucks lead 3-0 with 12:46 to play. pic.twitter.com/ONMlJnv0wL
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) February 22, 2016
The team has yet to give any update on the winger's condition, but Canucks fans are clearly worried about one of their most valuable trade assets ahead of the trade deadline.
Vrbata injured. No. His trade value was sky rocketing.
— Desai87 (@VasimDesai) February 22, 2016
Radim Vrbata getting injured a week before the deadline is so #Canucks
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) February 22, 2016
Only one more thing for #Canucks fans to hope happens tonight...
— Omar A (@omarcanuck) February 22, 2016
(that Vrbata's ok)
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