Forward Jonathan Drouin, the top prospect for the Tampa Bay Lightning, is expected to miss three to four weeks after slightly fracturing his right thumb.
The 19-year-old Drouin, who many assumed would have a good chance to crack the team's roster this season, told reporters Tuesday that he fell and landed awkwardly on his hand last Thursday.
Drouin, the No. 3 overall selection in the 2013 draft, scored a whopping 108 points in 46 games last season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Though Drouin's injury is not believed to be serious, the Bolts have sustained some costly losses in the past year.
Center Steven Stamkos suffered a fractured tibia in November, while starting goaltender Ben Bishop went down with what was reportedly an elbow injury before the playoffs began last spring.