Things are looking Grim for Keith Ballard.

Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher spoke to the Star Tribute following the injuries sustained by Keith Ballard. Via the Star Tribune:

“This is serious, he’s had concussions before. I don’t know how many. We’re worried about that. Bones will heal. I don’t mean to make light of it, but his face will heal. But his hand was sticking right up. He was convulsing. This was scary. You could even see the reaction of the Islanders’ bench. They weren’t standing over him mocking him. They were scared.”

What Fletcher is referring to here is the concussion Ballard suffered while a member of the Vancouver Canucks. Concussions so severe that at one point the symptoms had him sleeping 18 hours a day. There's no doubt that the Wild intend to take every precaution with Ballard, but as Fletcher stated, the way Ballard was convulsing on the ice was nothing short of terrifying. The Wild as a result have set no timetable whatsoever for his return, and some rumors are suggesting that Ballard who is in the last year of his deal may not return to the team. It's not all bad news however, Ballard's teammate Thomas Vanek also commented on the situation via the Star Tribune, and he painted a more hopeful picture of Ballard's injury:

“He was in good spirits,” Vanek said. “It’s tough for him because I’m sure you know his history with injuries. I thought he was an important player for us vocally and on the ice he was doing well, so it’s another setback for him. That’s why you feel bad for him. But I was encouraged how well he was actually doing.”

One thing is for certain, we will keep Ballard in our thoughts. Get well soon Keith.