The more we learn about the opening night injury to Seattle Kraken forward Jacob Melanson in Calgary October 1st, the scarier it sounds.
The team released a statement Saturday afternoon saying, “Jacob Meanson suffered an upper-body injury that was later diagnosed as an anterior mediastinum hematoma with vascular pseudo aneurysm.”
In layman’s terms, and speaking generally, the condition describes a tear in an arterial or heart wall layer, with an accumulation of blood in the front part of the middle chest cavity. “Anterior” generally means positioned toward the front part of the body.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Pseudoaneurysms are a less common consequence of blunt chest trauma. Pseudoaneurysms are vascular abnormalities that may occur at the site of arterial injury.
“Pseudoaneurysms do not contain any layer of the vessel wall, unlike a true aneurysm. In the occurrence of a pseudoaneurysm, blood is contained by a wall that is formed by clotting.
“Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial because these pseudoaneurysms can lead to severe complications.”
That’s why the Kraken statement goes on to say, “The organization would like to thank the medical teams in Alberta for their assistance in Jacob’s care.
“Given his unique injury, Jacob will continue to be evaluated and monitored closely by the medical staff in Seattle through the healing process for a gradual progression to return to hockey.”
It sure sounds like the priority is making sure Melanson can continue to have a healthy and productive life, with his hockey future, if there is to be one, a far distance down the road.
Kraken Drafted Melanson In 2021
As Simmer reported on Oct. 3, “Melanson was his feisty self in the opener, delivering three hits before leaving the game after 9:31 of ice time and after taking a cross check in the back from Matt Coronato of Calgary.
“At 7:37 of the 2nd period, Melanson and of the Flames went to the penalty box for roughing following a scrum, but it was Coronato’s cross check leading up to the melee that did the damage.”
The 23-year-old Melanson was drafted in the 5th round by the Kraken in 2021. His physicality impressed Kraken brass last season, when he recorded a team-high 188 hits in just 36 games.
The native of Halifax, Nova Scotia played 28 games at AHL Coachella Valley last season, and 11 more in the playoffs with the Firebirds.
He signed a 3-year, $4.35 million contract extension with Seattle in September.
Earlier Kraken:
— Opening For “Extra” Kraken D-men After Lindgren Injury
