Hurricanes' Hamilton leaves game with apparent leg injury

The Carolina Hurricanes are holding their collective breath after their best defenseman suffered a potentially gruesome injury.

Dougie Hamilton, one of the NHL's most talented blue-liners, fell awkwardly on his left leg after getting tangled up with Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kevin Stenlund in the final minute of the second period Thursday night.

Dougie Hamilton tangles with Kevin Stenlund. The #Hurricanes defenseman needed help off the ice. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/2qno3avt8V

- Alison (@AlisonL) January 17, 2020

Hamilton couldn't get off the ice without the aid of his teammates and had difficulty putting weight on his leg.

Hamilton needs help to get off the ice"not putting any weight on his left leg. #CBJ #Hurricanes pic.twitter.com/aphPb7ukoZ

- Alison (@AlisonL) January 17, 2020

The Hurricanes later ruled Hamilton out for the rest of the contest. After the game, Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour told reporters that "it doesn't look good, obviously," but he didn't have a more specific update.

Hamilton has been in the mix for the Norris Trophy all season, racking up 40 points in 46-plus games while leading all Hurricanes skaters in ice time and shots on goal entering Thursday's contest.

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