"First week was pretty rough": Canucks' Brock Boeser gives a raw assessment of his career-first concussion injury

Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser recently opened up about his first concussion injury, which he sustained during a game against the LA Kings on Nov. 7.

Boeser was blindsided by a shoulder hit to the chin area from Tanner Jeannot, resulting in a concussion that has sidelined him for seven games. Jeannot received a major penalty and misconduct for the hit, and he was later suspended for three games by the NHL.

Throughout his career, Brock Boeser has dealt with various soft-tissue and bone injuries but has never experienced a concussion until now. After facing persistent headaches and setbacks in recovery, Boeser expressed his hope to avoid future concussions.

“The first week was pretty tough," Boeser said during an interview with Sportsnet. "I tried to bike a few times and I wasn't reacting super well to that. My head started to hurt and I was getting a little nauseous, so we took some time off to try and just let me rest and heal up."

"But I kept getting treatment on my neck and all that stuff. When I came back and did the steps (the NHL’s concussion protocol), I started feeling better the second time around."

Boeser pointed out that being concussed is a different experience compared to injuries like a groin or wrist. Even though it's been frustrating being off the ice, the 27-year-old forward is starting to feel better and can skate hard again.

"This is something I haven't gone through, but I've been skating pretty hard for a bit now and I've been feeling good," he added.

Brock Boeser's expected return timeline

According to reports, Boeser is projected to return to the Vancouver Canucks lineups against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.

Head coach Rick Tocchet stated that Boeser's return to the lineup would hinge on how he feels during the matchday. The steps indicate that he is progressing in his recovery, but his ultimate readiness to play will depend on his comfort and health before the matchday.

Despite missing seven games, Brock Boeser remains tied as the leading goal scorer for the club with six goals. He's accumulated 11 points and five assists in 12 games this season.

Meanwhile, the Canucks (10-6-3) are fifth in the Pacific Division with 23 points after 19 games. The puck against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday drops at 7 p.m. ET.