NHL linesman Ryan Daisy experienced a concerning injury during a match between the Buffalo Sabres and the Montreal Canadiens on 13 October 2026. The incident occurred when Sabres forward Jiri Kulich collided with Daisy, inadvertently striking his ankle after being pushed by Canadiens player Kirby Dach.
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At the time, Daisy was officiating a faceoff in the early stages of the game when the accident took place. Eyewitness footage shows the linesman immediately falling to the ice in apparent pain following the impact. Teammates of the Canadiens, Jake Evans and Owen Beck, quickly intervened, assisting Daisy off the ice as he was unable to put weight on his injured leg.
An official statement from the NHL confirmed that Daisy would not return for the remainder of the match. Following the injury, the game continued under the supervision of a reduced officiating crew, consisting of two referees and linesman Tommy Hughes, as the Canadiens ultimately secured a narrow 4-3 victory.
Daisy, who is 38 years old, has made a significant mark in the NHL, having officiated over 600 games throughout his 11 seasons in the league. His experience has garnered him respect among players and fans alike, making the incident particularly alarming for those who have followed his career.
Fans took to social media platforms, expressing their concerns for Daisy’s wellbeing in light of the incident. One user remarked, “This looks so bad. I’m amazed he was able to get up and off the ice without a stretcher,” highlighting the courage and resilience required in officiating at such a high level. Another user added, “Refs don’t get enough credit for how tough that job actually is,” acknowledging the often-overlooked challenges faced by officials during games.
As of now, there has been no update on Daisy’s condition from the league or his family, leaving many followers and supporters anxious for news. Players from both teams have also refrained from commenting on what transpired, focusing instead on the ongoing match and its implications for the season.
The NHL has a history of prioritising the health and safety of its officials, and this incident reinforces the dangers they face on the ice. With high-speed action and physical encounters inherent in ice hockey, officials like Daisy are constantly at risk of injury, often not even being seen as part of the play during crucial moments.
Ryan Daisy’s injury serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by officials in ensuring that the game is played fairly and safely. As fans await updates on his recovery, there is a collective hope that he will make a swift return to officiating and continue his commendable career in the NHL.