Seth Jones out 3-4 weeks with thumb injury

The Blackhawks announced before their game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday that Seth Jones will be out for three to four weeks with a right thumb injury.

According to Luke Richardson, he injured the thumb on a blocked shot in the second period of Saturday's game in Buffalo.

The injury comes as a big blow to the Hawks core, as Jones leads the team in ice time per game with 25:12. The next closest is Patrick Kane, who averages six fewer minutes. He is also tied with his brother Caleb for most points among defensemen on the team (4).

In his absence, Filip Roos will fill in the empty spot, Jake McCabe will move up to the first line with Jack Johnson, and Caleb Jones will take over on the first power play unit.

The Blackhawks are 4-3 through their first seven games, and although Jones has totaled a plus/minus of -5, it will be important to see how the team fares without their top defenseman.