Team officials say Tucker was held at the hospital overnight for observation, but was released on Saturday. They say he was conscious and aware of his situation and surroundings.

According to team officials, no time table has been set for his return and he's out indefinitely. They say he had a concussion, but did not give any update on his condition.

Ruutu hit Tucker from behind as the right wing tried to play the puck in the Hurricanes' end with 14:34 left in the second period.

Tucker's face hit the glass and he fell on his back on the ice. He lay motionless for several minutes as the Avalanche trainers and doctors attended to him.

Doctors put a neck brace on Tucker and strapped him to a backboard. Tucker appeared to be conscious as he was moved off the ice, revealing a pool of blood where he had been laying for more than 5 minutes.

Ruutu was assessed major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct. On Saturday, he was suspended for three games by the NHL.

Ruutu will lose $56,067.36 in salary for the suspension, which was announced Saturday. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Ruutu will miss games against Columbus on Saturday, St. Louis on Wednesday and Philadelphia on Oct. 31. He will be eligible to return Nov. 1 against San Jose.