Breaking News: Claude Giroux Out Indefinitely with Concussion

Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers elite centers and one of the NHL's top scorers, is out indefinitely with a concussion. 

Yesterday the Flyers had released an update in which Giroux had only sustained a neck injury and that he would be checked out by team doctors.

Today the Flyers issued this press release on their website.

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Flyers GM Paul Holmgren updates the status of Claude Giroux:

"Claude reported not feeling very good today. Over the past few days, his symptoms have gradually gotten worse.  He will be out indefinitely with a concussion"

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This announcement is devastating news for the NHL as they have lost two of the league's top stars due to concussions in the past 48 hours. Sidney Crosby's was more expected as he had been fighting symptoms but Giroux's is recent after colliding with teammate Wayne Simmonds.

This news is also terrible for the Flyers who are already with out team captain Chris Pronger. The Philadelphia Flyers are in first place in the Eastern Conference, but this could change with a surging New York Rangers club nipping at their heels.

More updates are expected to follow and it will be curious to see if HBO 24/7 can shed any light on how teams deal with concussions behind the scenes. Marc Staal of the Rangers has missed significant time due to concussion like symptoms. Giroux joins an all-star list of players who have been affected by concussions.

Here is how Giroux was doing this season.

16 Goals, 23 Assists- 39 Points in 28 Games

This story is in it's earliest stages so be sure to check back to the Bleacher Report NHL page for analysis and updates.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.