(Seattle) The Seattle Kraken will have to be without forward Brandon Tanev for at least a month, after he was injured in the first game of the season against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Kraken announced that Tanev would miss four to six weeks.

“He gives so much every night and brings pace and energy,” said Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol. He is an important piece of our penalty kill. You don’t like to see players get injured, especially so early in the season, but it’s part of the game.”

Tanev was injured during a check by Brett Howden, who was thrown out of the game, before being suspended for two games for an “illegal hit to the head”.

Tanev fell badly on his leg following the blow.

The gesture occurred six minutes into the third period. The Golden Knights won 4-1.

Last season with the Kraken, Tanev played in all 82 games for his team and had career highs with 16 goals and 19 assists.