Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu, right, was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for slamming Colorado's Darcy Tucker into the boards as he tried to play the puck Friday night. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)

It's unclear when Darcy Tucker will return to the Colorado Avalanche lineup, but Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu will sit three games for hitting him into the boards on Friday night.

Tucker suffered a concussion while Ruutu was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for slamming the Avalanche forward into the boards as he tried to play the puck in the Hurricanes' zone at 13:34 of the second period.

Tucker's face hit the glass hard and he fell to the ice on his back unconscious as Avalanche doctors and trainers attended to him, bringing a hush to both benches and the crowd.

The team said Tucker had a concussion but was alert and taken to the hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

Ruutu will forfeit just over $59,000 in salary and won't be eligible to return to the ice until Nov. 1 against San Jose.

More to come