Carolina forward Nathan Gerbe was forced from Sunday’s game against Los Angeles midway through the first period, after a heavy check from Kings forward Kyle Clifford.
Gerbe had to be helped off the ice by teammates and stayed off for the remainder of the frame. Teammate Brad Malone stepped in to fight Clifford, and the pair both received majors -- Clifford wasn’t penalized for the actual hit.
Late in the first intermission, Carolina announced that Gerbe wouldn’t return to the contest.
The 28-year-old had gotten off to a slow start this year, with just one goal and three points in 19 games, but is a lineup regular that averages over 15 minutes per night.