Blackhawks Face Setback with Disheartening Injury Update
At Saturday’s morning skate, the Blackhawks made an unexpected announcement, placing Seth Jones on injured reserve after he sustained a right foot injury last Thursday in Seattle. Despite finishing the game, Jones’ condition worsened, and the team provided little clarity on his return timeline.
Head coach Luke Richardson confirmed on Wednesday that Jones is expected to miss about four weeks, which means he’ll sit out around 13 games, including the two he’s already missed. The timing is particularly challenging, as Chicago faces a packed December schedule with 15 games following four more in November, meaning Jones will miss nearly all of this critical stretch.
Jones’ injury is a significant blow for the Blackhawks, as he led the NHL in ice time per game when healthy. His absence leaves a sizable gap, requiring the lower-pairing defensemen to step up. Alex Vlasic has already been playing extended minutes, including taking over the top power-play unit, while newcomer Alec Martinez has been skating on the second unit.
Given the Blackhawks’ recent history of unreliable injury timelines, such as goaltender Laurent Brossoit’s delayed return after off-season surgery, there’s uncertainty about whether Jones will return in four weeks or if additional setbacks are in store.
However, Jones’ absence presents an opportunity for younger players. Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, and Nolan Allan are expected to take on bigger roles, and Louis Crevier, now on the NHL roster, could see playing time. This injury also comes with a silver lining: the Blackhawks are in a better position than last season, having added veterans Alec Martinez and Connor Brodie, strengthening their defense compared to the 2023-24 season, when their defensive unit was one of the weakest in the league.
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