advertisement

Hawks gain defenseman, but lose Hendry for season

ST. PAUL, Minn. — While the Blackhawks added a defenseman Monday in Chris Campoli from Ottawa, they lost another one in Jordan Hendry.

Hendry suffered a torn left ACL in Sunday’s win over Phoenix when Shane Doan checked him hard into the end boards early in the third period. He will be lost for the rest of the season.

“He will undergo reconstructive surgery shortly, and we anticipate a full recovery in approximately six months,” said Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry.

“He was just starting to play well so it’s unfortunate for him and for us,” general manager Stan Bowman said.

The Hawks were looking for defense depth even before Hendry went down. Now they must depend on help from Rockford in case of another injury or two.

Bowman said veterans Jassen Cullimore and Garnet Exelby could help down the stretch if needed, although Cullimore presently is hurt.

“We’re probably unique in that we have to veteran guys in Jassen Cullimore and Garnet Exelby who both played hundreds of NHL games and playoff games,” Bowman said. “Certainly having guys who have played a lot of years in the NHL gives you some comfort if you should need them.”

Bowman also mentioned Rockford prospects Brian Connelly, Shawn Lalonde, Ivan Vishnevskiy and Ryan Stanton as possible call-ups if necessary.

John Scott filled in on defense for Hendry against the Wild, with Campoli unable to get a U.S. work visa issue cleared up in time to get to Minnesota to play.

“Hopefully I can get there sooner than later and meet my new teammates,” Campoli said.

Middle men:

Stan Bowman would have liked to add another center before Monday’s trade deadline, but he’s prepared to go with Jake Dowell and Ryan Johnson for now behind Jonathan Toews and Dave Bolland.

“Our depth at center, that’s something we were looking to add to, but (Patrick) Sharp can always play in the middle and (Tomas) Kopecky can always play center,” Bowman said. “Having Ryan Johnson come on here has certainly made us more comfortable in that position.”

Willing and able:

Chris Campoli might not be a classic penalty-killing defenseman, which is what Stan Bowman said he wanted, but he has experience in the role.

“I’m capable of penalty-killing and I have been in my career,” Campoli said. “I’ve gotten more of an opportunity this year to play in that role in Ottawa than in the past.”

Loose end:

The second-round draft pick the Hawks sent Ottawa for Chris Campoli was one of three they had in 2011. It’s up to the Hawks which one the Senators get, likely to be the worst of the three.