Bruins' John-Michael Liles Out Indefinitely With Concussion
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins were already hurting on defense with captain Zdeno Chara out. Add John-Michael Liles to the list, as GM Don Sweeney announced on Tuesday that the veteran defenseman is out indefinitely with a concussion.
Liles suffered a concussion during Sunday's 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning at the TD Garden. He will remain sidelined as he goes through the NHL's concussion protocols.
This is at least the third concussion that Liles, 36, has suffered in his 13-year NHL career. He also missed time during the 2011-12 season as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and during the 2013-14 season when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes due to head injuries.
Per league rules, there is no mandatory time period that Liles has to miss while he is out. But the onus falls on the Bruins' team doctors to determine that he is symptom-free before allowing him to return to game action. Concussion symptoms and their severity vary from case to case and could have a delayed onset, which only further complicates Liles' situation.
It's doubtful that Liles is cleared to play in time for Thursday's home game against the Carolina Hurricanes, and considering that this is the third time he has suffered a concussion in his career, his status moving forward could be in doubt.