The Injury Bug Bites The Blackhawks Once Again

The expectations surrounding the Blackhawks prior to the season weren't very high, but the numerous injuries that the team has dealt with has played a major part in their position in the standings and increasing their odds for the coveted Connor Bedard. During Thursday night's 6-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, Philipp Kurashev took a hit from Tom Wilson, knocking him out of the game.

The hit didn't look bad at first glance, but Kurashev was in obvious discomfort immediately after contact as he skated to the bench bent over. Kurashev didn't return after the hit and an extended absence of any kind can be disastrous for the Blackhawks.




The Blackhawks have lost Jonathan Toews, Cole Guttman, and Philipp Kurashev due to injury and traded away Max Domi and Sam Lafferty, leaving their center position razor thin on the main roster. Lukas Reichel, Andreas Athanasiou, and Jujhar Khaira are now the top three centers on the Blackhawks roster along with Dickinson and Entwistle.

If Kurashev is out for an extended period of time or misses the remainder of the season, the Blackhawks will have no problem increasing their chances to land Bedard or Fantilli. Hopefully Kurashev's injury isn't serious and he can finish the season on a high note.