NEWSLETTER
With the Blackhawks off until January 1, 2022, there’s plenty of time for practice. Today, joining the team on the ice following the actual practice was forward Tyler Johnson. Johnson, who has been out of the lineup since October 29, underwent disc replacement neck surgery on December 3, the same procedure that Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel had back in November. Eichel and Johnson are the first two NHL players to have had the ADR surgery.
Tyler Johnson is on the ice right now. He underwent neck surgery on Dec. 3 and was put on a three-month timetable. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/2ibEG1Nmqo
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 28, 2021
It took Eichel roughly three weeks to return to skating after having the surgery and was expected to be back on the ice in time to be considered for a spot on Team USA for the 2022 Winter Olympics in February, had the NHL continued to have players participate in the Olympics. For Johnson, he is also on the same trajectory, skating with the team just under four weeks after having surgery.
Tyler Johnson joining in on post-practice game of Two Puck. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/pVqhZt4cA9
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 28, 2021
Johnson was acquired by the Blackhawks this summer after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The nine-year NHL veteran has been limited to just eight games with Chicago this season, scoring once and tallying two assists while averaging 14:26 minutes per game.
