Hawks' van Riemsdyk could be out four months due to knee injury

Posted November 19, 2014 9:47 am

By Mike Spellman

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) will have surgery on his left knee and miss three to four months of action, team officials announced Wednesday. Associated Press

As feared, it appears 23-year-old Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk will have knee surgery and could miss as much as four months of action.

The Blackhawks issued this statement today by Dr. Michael Terry, the team's head physician:

"Trevor van Riemsdyk suffered a left patella fracture after taking a shot to the left knee in Sunday's game against Dallas. He will undergo surgical repair of the fracture tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 20. We anticipate a full recovery in three to four months and look forward to his return."

The young defenseman has one assist in 18 games with the Blackhawks.

The Hawks placed the rookie defenseman on long-term injured reserve on Monday. Until that first-period injury, the coaching staff had become more comfortable using van Riemsdyk against opponent's top lines and his playing time was steadily increasing as he saw a season-high 21:04 of ice time at Detroit on Friday.

• Mike Spellman will have more from the Blackhawks later today at dailyherald.com. Follow Mike's reports on Twitter @dhspellman.

Blackhawks rookie defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk (57) was gaining confidence and playing time before he was injured on Sunday while blocking a shot. He'll be out three to four months. Associated Press

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) passes during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Associated Press

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