Trevor Daley will be out for Tuesday against the Nashville Predators but is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after his scary collision with Chris Thorburn on Sunday.
Daley was falling forward when his head collided with Thorburn’s knee midway through the second period of the Blackhawks’ 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon. Daley was down for several moments and a stretcher was brought out to take him off the ice. But the defenseman slowly skated off with the help of trainers.
Asked on Sunday night if Daley was knocked out in the collision, coach Joel Quenneville said he wasn’t sure. On Monday Quenneville said that he did not believe Daley was knocked out on the play.
The day-to-day diagnosis is a relief, considering how bad the collision looked at first.
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“I thought he’s improved his game,” Quenneville said. “The situation there looked real bad in the instant so it’s good news, positive news, good for him. Hopefully we get him on the ice again real soon.”
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks swapped forwards, bringing up Dennis Rasmussen and reassigning Tanner Kero to the Rockford IceHogs. Whether or not Rasmussen just takes Kero’s spot in the lineup Tuesday night is unknown – the Blackhawks had an optional practice on Monday – but it wouldn’t be surprising. Rasmussen, who had seven goals and seven assists in 22 games with Rockford, played some with Bryan Bickell during Bickell’s stint with the IceHogs.
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“I think you got young guys competing here that probably are very close on the depth charts, both in similar positions,” Quenneville said. “I think Kero had a great start. Raz is getting some good reviews, as well. Based on an opportunity, we’re going to give the other guy a look, too.”
Rasmussen was notified following the IceHogs’ game in San Antonio on Sunday night. He flew here this morning but was a little late for practice – his flight was diverted to Madison, Wis., due to weather issues before he finally got to Chicago. But, as he said, he’s here now and ready for an opportunity.
“Yeah, hopefully I get a game this year. That's what I'm hoping for, at least,” said Rasmussen, who was recalled last season but did not play. “I'm just here to try to help the team as much as possible, and hopefully I get a game in. I'll just take it day-by-day here.”
Corey Crawford will start vs. the Predators.