Jan Hejda played with two broken fingers in Round 1 against the Wild, the Denver Post reports.

Hejda played with two broken fingers in Round 1 against the Wild, the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

With two broken digits and a pin inserted into his thumb, the 35-year-old Czech is yet another example of a player valiantly battling through a significant injury in the postseason. It's unclear as to how or when Hejda hurt his hand, but it was evident something was wrong, as he finished the series pointless with a minus-6 rating and dropped his stick on several occasions. The Avs' heartbreaking overtime loss at home in Game 7 will allow his hand plenty of time to heal up in preparation for training camp in September. Furthermore, it appears that Hejda -- who was second on the Avs in average ice time this season behind partner Erik Johnson -- still has gas in the tank. Look for him to play another key shutdown role in Colorado's top-two defensive pairs next season -- the final year of his contract.