Toronto Maple Leafs' forward Daniel Winnik was injured in the opening minute of the game against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

Winnik was met by a stand-up check by Colorado's Jan Hejda as he came up to the blueline in the first minute of the opening period. The Avalanche were already leading 1-0 on a goal by Nick Holden after 31 seconds.

Winnik who has seven points on the season, collided with Hejda, lost his balance and appeared to fall on his neck and shoulder. He lost conscious for several seconds while trainers and then the medical staff attended to him.

He appeared alert, blinking his eyes and talking as he was taken off the ice on a stretcher.

The team reported on Twitter that Winnik was "alert and moving all of his extremities" while being examined by the team doctor. The team said Winnik was not transported to the hospital but he did not return.