Vince Dunn's Long-Term Injury Leaves Kraken with Big Challenges Ahead
In a significant move that has sent ripples through the Seattle Kraken organization, defenseman Vince Dunn has been placed on long-term injured reserve due to a mid-body injury. This decision was announced on October 22, 2024, and the implications of his absence are felt deeply within the team's defensive lineup. The placement on LTIR is retroactive to October 17, which means the Kraken will be without their top blue-liner until at least November 12, when they face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
For those unfamiliar, being on long-term injured reserve means that Dunn will miss at least 10 games and a minimum of 24 days, which poses a significant hurdle for the Kraken as they navigate through the season. The team has already seen the impact of his absence, especially given the shaky performance in his previous outings. In the recent game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Dunn logged just 13 minutes and 10 seconds of ice time before taking an awkward fall during the first period. Though he returned for some shifts in the second, he ultimately missed the entire third period, a decision made for precautionary reasons as per Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma's postgame comments.
Also Read:This injury comes on the heels of Dunn missing a previous game against the Dallas Stars due to an upper-body ailment. He has shown some promise in the early part of the season, scoring one goal and contributing three points along with 10 blocks in just four games. His average ice time of 18 minutes and 49 seconds demonstrates his vital role in the Kraken's defensive strategies. However, last season was plagued with injuries as well, limiting him to just 59 games. His absence during a crucial stretch in March—where the Kraken went 3-7-2 without him—significantly jeopardized the team's playoff aspirations.
In light of Dunn's injury, the Kraken have called up defenseman Cale Fleury from the AHL to help fill the void. The team is currently holding a 4-2-0 record this season, and the upcoming matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET will be crucial. Without Dunn’s solid defensive presence, the team will need to rally together and tighten their defense if they hope to maintain their early-season momentum and contend in a competitive Western Conference.
As fans, we can only hope for a swift recovery for Vince Dunn. His contributions on the ice are invaluable, and the team will surely feel the impact of his absence in the games to come. The Kraken have a tough road ahead, but the resilience of the team, coupled with the return of Dunn after his recovery, could help them stay in the playoff race as the season unfolds.
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