Predators' O'Reilly exits with cut near eye, expected to be OK

Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly was struck near his left eye by an errant stick during Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"For those who are concerned about Ryan O'Reilly, we expect that he is going to be OK," the team said in a statement, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. "He is flying home with the team from Columbus tonight and will be evaluated by our medical team in Nashville. We expect to have an update on his playing status sometime Thursday."

O'Reilly was hit by the stick of Jackets forward Charlie Coyle off a faceoff midway through the third period and didn't return. Blood was seen near his left eye.

The 35-year-old is one of four players left in the NHL who doesn't wear a visor. The NHL grandfathered visors into the league in 2013, making them mandatory for new players.

O'Reilly is a candidate to be traded ahead of Friday's deadline. He's tallied 22 goals and 37 assists in 61 games this season.