NEWSLETTER
Just recently, the Blackhawks were playing with one of their most healthy lineups since the season began. Unfortunately, it was short-lived. With today’s news that Jonathan Toews has been placed in concussion protocol, the injury list for the Blackhawks continues to get re-populated as the season moves beyond the mid-way point. While some players should be coming back to the lineup soon, for Toews, there is no real timetable for his return.
King on Toews' concussion:
"Obviously he's a huge part of this organization and we're going to miss him… We're making sure we do the right thing by this. There's no timeframe. It's when he's feeling right. You can't mess around with this stuff."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 28, 2022
Toews has a history of concussion issues in his NHL career. It’s a concern that he is once again in concussion protocol, whether it’s a short-stint or not. After missing all of last season because of health issues, you start to wonder where Toews’ mindset is when it comes to continuing his career. For now, Chicago will have to make-do without him in the lineup.
Better news for the Blackhawks came from interim head coach Derek King this afternoon, stating that Riley Stillman and Tyler Johnson should be returning to the team prior to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 21.
Derek King says Tyler Johnson is probably a month away and Riley Stillman 2-3 weeks.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) January 28, 2022
Stillman apparently re-injured a shoulder issue late in last Frida’s loss to the Minnesota Wild, while Johnson has been out since the end of October and had neck surgery in early December. The good news on Johnson is that he has already been back on the ice with the Blackhawks for about a month.
Fleury starting tonight for the Blackhawks again vs. Avalanche.
Connolly will be in for Toews. Khaira not quite ready to return yet.
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) January 28, 2022
Jujhar Khaira was practicing this morning in Chicago, but is not going to be in the lineup tonight when the Blackhawks host the Colorado Avalanche. After going through concussion protocol earlier in the month, Khaira had returned to the lineup only to find himself back on the injury list with back spasms last week. With Toews out, Khaira could likely find his way back into the forwards group by the time Chicago plays on Monday night against the Vancouver Canucks.
