The Blackhawks’ defensive depth is deeper this season. Given they’ll be missing Niklas Hjalmarsson for a few games, including the season opener, they’ll be tapping into it.
Hjalmarsson didn’t comment much on his three-game suspension, which the NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Monday afternoon. Hjalmarsson will miss the final two preseason games and the opener vs. the St. Louis Blues next week.
“I said everything I had to say yesterday in my hearing,” said Hjalmarsson, who was suspended for charging St. Louis’ Ty Rattie. “It’s always disappointing to miss one regular-season game but I’m glad Rattie’s fine. And I said everything I had to say in the hearing yesterday, so that’s all I’m going to say about that.”
Coach Joel Quenneville also didn’t comment on the decision itself – “it’s their decision, so we’ll move on from it and deal with it,” he said. The focus was on how the Blackhawks will have to adjust in Hjalmarsson’s absence.
[SHOP: Gear up for the 2016-17 season, Blackhawks fans!]
“Over the course of a season you’ll have different challenges. We know what Hammer bring to our team and how important he is and how he plays the game,” he said. “We still have eight defensemen who can play, at certain times you’re going to get tested in that area, so it’ll be a good test right out of the gate.”
Duncan Keith, who will play tonight against the Detroit Red Wings, echoed the same sentiment.
NHL
“It’s a tough loss,” Keith said. “He’s a huge part of our [defensive] corps, a huge part of our team. Going to be tough not having him in the opener,” Keith said. “You know it is what it is. Just have to move forward and someone will have to step up and everyone has to play well.”