The Montreal Canadiens announced Friday that defenseman Noah Juulsen will be out indefinitely with a vision-related issue that "will require time to heal."
Juulsen, 21, is expected to make a full recovery.
While the actual injury is unknown, Juulsen did suffer a facial fracture earlier in the season. On Nov. 19, the 2015 first-round pick was hit in the face twice during the first period against the Washington Capitals. He returned to the Canadiens lineup Dec. 11 with a shield and skated in four games.
After being sent down to Laval, he skated in three games but hadn't suited up since Dec. 27.
Reports surfaced Thursday that Juulsen's injury may be career threatening. Sportnet's Eric Engels reported that it was not related to a concussion.
Amidst speculation in the marketplace that defenceman Noah Juulsen has a career-threatening eye injury and a damaged nerve in his face, the Canadiens will only say that he has an upper-body injury, an injury requiring rest, and that he does NOT have a concussion.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 31, 2019
Juulsen skated in 21 games this season notching a goal and four assists. Last season he split his time between Montreal and Laval and played in 23 games recording three points with the Canadiens.