Monday, Feb. 28, 2011
Posted: 3:52 p.m.Updated: 8:34 p.m.
By Tracey MyersCSNChicago.com
ST. PAUL, Minn.Jordan Hendry was just starting to integrate himself back into the Chicago Blackhawks lineup. Now his season is over.
Hendry suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury to his left knee on Sunday against the Phoenix Coyotes. The 27-year-old defenseman will have surgery soon, team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a statement on Monday, and full recovery is anticipated to take up to six months.
The defenseman was hurt early in the third period after taking a hit from Phoenix captain Shane Doan along the boards. Hendry was down for a bit, and needed a lot of help getting off the ice and back to the locker room.
It was a tough end for Hendry, who had been a healthy scratch through a lot of early games but was back in the lineup lately.
Things like this happen unfortunately. He has the one injury you dont want to get, coach Joel Quenneville said prior to the Blackhawks game against the Minnesota Wild. Those were probably his two best games of the year (against Nashville and Phoenix), he looked really involved. We appreciate what hes done for us, and even last year he was an important part of our team.
NHL
John Scott filled that sixth defensive role against Minnesota on Monday. Depending on how long it takes newly acquired defenseman Chris Campoli to get to themvisa issuesthe Blackhawks could call up someone from Rockford. Jassen Cullimore, who was with the Blackhawks the early part of this season, is currently injured.
Its disappointing for us, general manager Stan Bowman said. He certainly stuck through it early when he was a healthy scratch. He never complained once. Hes a first-class individual. He was starting to play well so its unfortunate for him and for us. Were just going to have to soldier on.
Leddys return
Defenseman Nick Leddy last played at the Xcel Energy Center in a Minnesota state championship hockey game. On Monday native of nearby Eden Prairie came back in a Chicago Blackhawks uniform for the first time since the Wild traded him to them.
Leddy, who was recalled to Chicago for good on Saturday after doing the Rockford shuffle since January, has made good strides in his game. Playing with Duncan Keith, Leddys learned plenty.
Playing with Duncs, Ive felt comfortable the whole time, Leddy said before the game. He makes everyone better. Hes always talking to me, always helping me out.
Coach Joel Quenneville has mentioned the word poise plenty regarding Leddy this season. He said the rookie had a special game against Phoenix on Sunday, playing more than 23 minutes, a career high. Leddys handled the pressure well through this stretch run.
Especially down the stretch, every games critical, Leddy said. It gets pretty nerve-wracking out there but I guess the adrenaline kicks in. I dont really feel it anymore.
Leddy had about 15 friends and family at the game.
No mas
The Blackhawks did get a defenseman on Monday in what ended up being a somewhat quiet trade deadline day. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said there was a lot of talking, but no additional moves presented themselves. He wasnt disappointed that he couldnt make any more moves.
We said our priority was to get something done and we certainly accomplished that, he said. We were talking to a number of teams about different options but takes two parties to want to make a deal. Only a few willing to trade players away made it difficult. Were very happy with the acquisition we were able to make.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.