Gruesome scene involving NHL's top prospect results in severe playoff suspension

After a mind-boggling historic season in the OHL for one of the National Hockey League's best prospects, it appears his aspirations for a championship are in jeopardy following a recent collision that resulted in an injury.

Nick Lardis of the Brandford Bulldogs has been deemed as elite talent by several well known names following his impressive OHL season which contained a whopping 71 goals in 65 games this past regular season, joining NHL stars such as John Tavares and Eric Lindros in the history books.

Sadly for the Chicago Blackhawks prospect, a knee-on-knee collision may have just turned his entire season upside down.

During game 2 of the Bulldogs' playoff series against the Oshawa General on Sunday, Lardis was unable to exit the ice under his own power after being on the receiving end of a big hit by Detroit Red Wings prospect Andrew Gibson.

Gibson, a former 42nd overall pick in 2023 by the Red Wings, was not given a penalty on the play, despite the hit being reviewed by officials after originally being deemed a 5-minute major.

Lardis appeared to be in severe pain.

The OHL formally came forward with discipline for Gibson, granting him a 2-game suspension for the hit that couldn't even draw a penalty from the referees.

Brandford Bulldogs' head coach McKee stated he is currently being evaluated, and there is no further update.

A big loss for Brandford in their leading scorer Lardis, who has 11 goals in seven playoff games so far this postseason.

The Blackhawks draft pick was just the eighth Canadian Hockey League player since 2000 to hit the 70-plus goal mark.

He was held out of the lineup for game 3 due to this injury, and is still undecided for game 4 on Thursday.