Chicago Blackhawks rookie defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk is expected to miss three to four months after suffering a left patella fracture, the team announced Wednesday.
Van Riemsdyk, who was placed on long-term injured reserve Monday, underwent surgery Thursday. He limped off the ice and did not return after he was hit in the left leg by a shot against the Dallas Stars on Sunday.
A source originally told ESPNChicago.com that Van Riemsdyk would miss two to three months as a result of the injury.
The 23-year-old -- the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk -- was the surprise of the Blackhawks' training camp and leaped a number of the organization's defense prospects to be included on coach Joel Quenneville's season-opening roster. Van Riemsdyk's role and ice time had increased recently. He played a season-high 21:04 in the game prior to his injury.
Van Riemsdyk suffered a left ankle injury at the University of New Hampshire last season and missed the team's final 15 games. He signed a two-year deal with the Blackhawks on March 24.
He has one assist and a plus/minus of zero in 18 games. He has averaged 13:32 of ice time.
The Blackhawks recalled defenseman Adam Clendening from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL on Tuesday.