Josh Manson is clearly battling through something at one of the toughest points of the season.

The 34-year-old defenseman is coming off one of the best regular seasons of his career. Manson, a Hinsdale, Illinois native who was raised in Canada, posted five goals and 26 assists for 31 points across 79 games, while his +42 rating marked a new career high.

Manson left Thursday’s game after a violent collision near the Kings’ bench involving Joel Edmundson. The hit sent him crashing awkwardly into the top of the boards, where the padding is thinner and less forgiving. His torso appeared to absorb most of the blow, particularly around the ribs and midsection, and he stayed down briefly before making his way off.

He exited late in the first period, then attempted to return in the second after missing several shifts. The comeback was short-lived. Manson logged only 36 seconds before another difficult sequence ended with Los Angeles scoring and Manson taking a high-sticking minor as the play concluded.

After serving the penalty, he did not return. Manson skated straight to the Avalanche bench, stepped off the ice and headed down the tunnel to the dressing room, where his night ended early.

Manson's status is still unknown, so this is a hypothetical, but if he's out longer than expected, who's going to step up on the physical side of the game?