Daniel Carcillo didnt get a full season to show the Chicago Blackhawks what he can do. But coach Joel Quenneville liked what he saw in that brief time.
Carcillo underwent successful surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee today, ending his 2011-12 season. Dr. Michael Terry said in a statement that the surgery went well and that Carcillo will being rehabilitation today, adding that we anticipate a full recovery with him returning to competitive hockey in six months.
It was a tough end for Carcillo, who signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks last summer and played in just 28 games this season. He had two goals and nine assists in those games. The Blackhawks wanted some aggressiveness, some sandpaper back in their game, and Quenneville said Carcillo supplied that.
In his limited time, I thought he did a great job, Quenneville said this past weekend. He fulfilled the job description very well. He provided toughness were looking for, did exactly what were looking for.
As for Carcillo returning next season, Quenneville said, well talk about a lot of things, but Danny didnt hurt himself.
There were times when he was very good, playing a strong role on the Blackhawks second line with Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa to start the season. He also struggled at some points, and was a healthy scratch toward the end of the Blackhawks circus trip.
Carcillo missed other games due to his own actions. He was suspended a total of 11 games this season: two to start the season, two for a hit on Joni Pitakanen in Carolina and seven for the hit on Edmontons Tom Gilbert at the start of January. That final hit is what also caused Carcillos injury.
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Will the Blackhawks re-sign Carcillo this offseason? Time will tell, but his coach didnt mind his game.