Despite the loss, Edmonton remains in fifth place in the Pacific Division with a record of nine wins and 20 points, and Draisaitl is set to face the Ottawa Senators next.

The NHL has not announced a timeline for Dunning's return to officiating.

Dunning has been a full-time NHL referee since 2022, having transitioned from a professional hockey defenseman after his playing career was cut short by knee injuries.

Originally from Tecumseh, Ontario, Dunning made his NHL referee debut on March 28, 2019, in a game between the Ottawa Senators and the Florida Panthers.

In a separate game, Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl faced a disappointing loss against the Montreal Canadiens, with a score of 0-3, marking his team's second consecutive defeat.

During a recent NHL game at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, referee Mitch Dunning was stretchered off the ice following a collision with Colorado defenseman Josh Manson.

Despite the incident, Dunning, 32, was fully communicative and able to move all his extremities, with normal neurological signs reported after being taken to a hospital for precautionary evaluation.

Before being transported, Dunning lay on the ice for several minutes but showed movement, including moving his feet and right hand, as Manson checked on him.

Cale Makar, a defender for Colorado, expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing that such occurrences are distressing and wishing for Dunning's swift recovery.

He began his officiating career in the AHL during the 2017-18 season before being promoted to the NHL.

Draisaitl, who struggled during the game, was on the ice for all three Montreal goals and managed only two shots on goal.

Montreal's Brendan Gallagher scored the first goal after 39 minutes of scoreless play, with Kaiden Guhle and Jake Evans contributing to the final score.