Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks Injury Report: Mixed Bag of Statuses, Return Timelines

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 12/19/23

The Chicago Blackhawks' injury report peaked on Monday when forward Joey Anderson landed on injured reserve, becoming the ninth player dealing with an ailment or absence. Tuesday brought some positive news as two forwards' injuries cleared up, but several other Blackhawks remain on the shelf.

The Good

Colin Blackwell and MacKenzie Entwistle will suit up on Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche. Blackwell will make his 2023-24 debut after starting the season on injured reserve while recovering from sports hernia surgery. Entwistle missed the Blackhawks' last two games due to an illness.

Kevin Korchinski returned to Chicago and participated in Tuesday's morning skate. The rookie defenseman's father sadly passed away last week. Korchinski, who has been on non-roster since Dec. 9, only skated once during his absence, so he won't play against Colorado. The Blackhawks plan to get him back up to speed with a few practices.

Jarred Tinordi also took part in Tuesday's morning skate, albeit on the fourth defensive pairing. The rugged defenseman last played on Dec. 5 against the Nashville Predators before landing in concussion protocol and eventually on IR (retroactive to Dec. 5). Like Korchinski, Tinordi won't play against the Avalanche but is progressing toward returning soon.

Alex Vlasic didn't take Tuesday's morning skate, but he did some work on his own before the team's session. The 6-foot-6 blueliner has missed Chicago's last two games due to an upper-body injury he suffered on Dec. 14 against the Seattle Kraken. Vlasic won't play on Tuesday but his return appears to be on the horizon.

The Bad

Joey Anderson will miss at least seven days due to his placement on IR. The 25-year-old last played on Sunday against the Vancouver Canucks but exited early due to a left shoulder injury.

Andreas Athanasiou remains the biggest question on the Blackhawks' injury report. The speedy winger last played on Nov. 9 when he suffered a groin injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Athanasiou is "getting further checkups" on the lingering injury, but head coach Luke Richardson didn't provide a return timeline.

Seth Jones' stint on IR (retroactive to Dec. 10) will continue for at least three more games. The minute-munching defenseman last played on Dec. 10 against the Washington Capitals but has since been sidelined with a shoulder injury. According to Richardson, Jones' injury "got worse" in the days after he suffered it.