Clayton Keller injury update: I will be back ‘for day 1 next season’

Arizona Coyotes All-Star Clayton Keller tweeted Thursday morning that his season is over but added he expects to be “better than ever for day 1 next season” after suffering a significant leg injury Wednesday in a win against the San Jose Sharks.

“Want to thank my teammates, the fans, and medical personnel for the love and support last night!” Keller wrote. “Unfortunately the season’s over for me, but I’m resting comfortably at the hospital in good spirits. I will be back better than ever for day 1 next season!!!!”

Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Thursday that Keller has undergone surgery and is expected to take 4-6 months for recovery.

Keller crashed legs-first into the boards and was taken off the ice on a stretcher with a serious lower-body injury in the 5-2 Arizona victory. He was brought to a hospital for further evaluation.

“We know it will be long-term,” Arizona coach Andre Tourigny said Wednesday. “He’ll recover. For now, it’s not the injury, it’s the human. It’s Kells the person. He competes so hard. Seeing him in pain and having a significant injury, that’s extremely tough.”

The game was delayed about 10 minutes with 5:15 remaining after Keller, who has 63 points this year, crashed into the boards behind the San Jose net. He remained prone on the ice for about five minutes before being wheeled off, giving a thumbs-up sign as he left.

“A lot of emotions out there,” Coyotes teammate Jan Jenik said postgame. “Glad we were able to come out with a win, but obviously we lost our best player.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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