|
CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks rookie forward Artemi Panarin is expected to miss the first few preseason games because of an upper-body injury. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Monday the injury wasn’t serious, but he didn’t disclose how it occurred. Panarin was a full participant in the team's practices and scrimmages during the first three days of training camp Friday through Sunday at Notre Dame. Panarin did not play in the team’s scrimmage Monday at the United Center. Panarin recently said he suffered an undisclosed injury during the offseason and wasn’t completely 100 percent while playing at Notre Dame. Despite that, Panarin was among the team’s top performers over the weekend. “He was fine when he started [camp],” Quenneville said Monday. “[His previous injury] might have flared up.” The Blackhawks signed Panarin to a two-year deal in May. He played in the KHL last season and was among the league’s top offensive players. The Blackhawks being their preseason schedule Tuesday at home against the Detroit Red Wings. They play Wednesday at Detroit. Kruger’s arrival: Blackhawks forward Marcus Kruger could be in Chicago by Wednesday, according to Quenneville. Kruger, who is from Sweden, was delayed in his arrival because he has been awaiting a visa. Rozsival skating: Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival has begun skating lightly, Quenneville said. Rozsival fractured his left ankle in the second round of the playoffs last season and underwent surgery. He signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks on Saturday. “We’ll probably get him to get some real heavy skates, and then we’ll get a better indication [by] getting him into the group,” Quenneville said. Camp cuts: Quenneville said he’ll likely make his first significant cuts to the roster before his team's back-to-back games Friday and Saturday. Positive reviews: Forwards Chris DeSousa, Vince Hinostroza and Tanner Kero received favorable reviews from Quenneville following Monday’s scrimmage at the United Center. DeSousa and Hinostroza scored goals.
|
