GLENDALE , Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes lost defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to an upper-body injury in the first period of their game Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ekman-Larsson was hit from behind and driven face-first into the glass on a hit by Derek MacKenzie of Columbus. No penalty was called on the play, but MacKenzie was immediately engaged by Phoenix's Keith Yandle for a fight at 8:52.
Ekman-Larsson was immediately taken to the dressing room for evaluation, and the Coyotes announced later that he would not return.
Ekman-Larsson, expected to represent Sweden in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, has four goals and 22 points and had played in all 40 games for the Coyotes this season. He usual first-unit defense partner, Zbynek Michalek, is already in the injured reserve list with a hip injury.
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