Knights forward’s Olympic status in doubt after injury in Anaheim
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Jonas Rondbjerg suffered an apparent lower-body injury in the second period against the Ducks at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Sunday night.
Rondbjerg took a hit from Anaheim captain Radko Gudas with 2:18 left in the second period as he carried the puck down the left side.
Gudas appeared to catch Rondbjerg’s leg into the end wall and he was slow to get up. Rondbjerg did not return for the third period in the Knights’ 4-3 loss, their fifth in a row.
“It didn’t look good,” Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said postgame.
Rondbjerg was placed on injured reserve Monday, meaning he will miss the Knights’ final two games against the Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings before the Winter Olympic break.
Rondbjerg made his season debut with the Knights on Jan. 23 in Toronto after Brett Howden (lower body) was placed on injured reserve. He had 23 points in 36 games with Henderson before the call-up.
The 26-year-old was making a strong impression in his time on the NHL roster. Rondbjerg has always been a good forechecker, but his offensive game was rounding a corner with the Silver Knights.
It showed with Rondbjerg on the third line with Tomas Hertl and Keegan Kolesar. He had two shots Saturday against Seattle, and had a quality scoring chance in the first period Sunday.
Rondbjerg’s call-up was perfect timing for the Olympics, as he was one of the first six named to Denmark’s team back in June. Rondbjerg is one of nine Knights players set to play in Italy.
But Rondbjerg’s status for the Olympics could be in jeopardy if he’s out a considerable amount of time.
“The Olympics are right around the corner, so that’s going to be a tough one if it’s of any length, but I don’t know if it’s going to be of any length,” Cassidy said. “I hope not, for his sake. He’s a great kid and it’s an opportunity to represent his country, so hopefully it’s short term.”
Contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com. Follow @DannyWebster21 on X.
