Sharks defenseman Justin Braun has left his team in Finland and is on his way back to the United States with a possible fracture in his wrist, his agent told CSNCalifornia.com on Wednesday.
A report on Tuesday said that Braun, who is returning to Minneapolis, MN, suffered a fracture, but Braun’s agent said that diagnosis is premature. After experiencing some discomfort and originally planning on playing through the injury, Braun underwent an MRI that showed “possible evidence” of a hairline fracture, but nothing has been confirmed. The injury is not considered major and does not involve any major bones, and he'll get further treatment and medical advice once he returns.
Also factoring into Braun’s decision is the hope that the NHL and NHLPA will come to an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. The two sides were set to meet at an undisclosed location on Wednesday, and despite a breakdown in talks last week, are thought to be inching closer to a deal.
The news surely comes as a relief to the Sharks, as Braun signed a three-year, $3.75 million contract in the offseason after earning a regular place in the team’s top six in 2011-12.
In 94 career NHL games, the 25-year-old has four goals and 18 assists for 22 points and 25 penalty minutes.
In six games with Tappara Tampere in the SM-liiga, Braun had three assists.
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