St. Louis Blues forward Jori Lehtera was taken to the hospital Tuesday after being hit in the throat area during a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock did not have an update on Lehtera's condition and said there would be one Wednesday.

Lehtera left the game with 8:27 remaining in the first period after playing five shifts totaling 3:25. He left the ice on his own and reportedly was taken to the hospital by ambulance in his street clothes.

He had two goals and eight assists in 18 games.