Colliton, other Blackhawks staff members have been vaccinated
Coach Jeremy Colliton and several members of the Blackhawks' staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Colliton, Dr. Michael Terry, head trainer Mike Gapski and others received the Johnson & Johnson shot.
Colliton does not believe any players have received a vaccine.
"It would be good, but we have to do it at the right time with regard to the schedule and hopefully not affect their ability to play," Colliton said. "Overall it's a big positive ... we're even talking about it. The more people that can get vaccinated, the quicker we can hopefully get back to living the life we want to live."
Colliton said it was Terry and Gapski who set up the appointment.
As for the players, forward Ryan Carpenter said "it would definitely help the team (and) the league. ... The number one thing is staying healthy. Usually in a regular season it's just regular injuries, but this year you don't want guys on the COVID list either. ... I don't know what will happen with the vaccine. Honestly, this part of the year you're in the grind of the season and just focused on hockey. So if they talk to us more about it and we're able to get it, then we'll talk about it then.
Through Monday there were 21 players in COVID protocol, 17 of which are on Vancouver.
Where's Soderberg?
Carl Soderberg has been a healthy scratch in the Hawks' last three games. The veteran center has 6 goals and 8 assists in 33 games and was a staple on the No. 1 power-play unit for a time, but coach Jeremy Colliton has elected to go a different direction for now.
"We have some competition up front and that's a good thing," said Colliton, who inserted Vinnie Hinostroza into the lineup for Tuesday's game against Dallas. "Good for our group. Bring Vinnie in; he can bring an important dimension. We haven't been as good in (those) areas - the pressure and forechecking and energy.
"When you get a chance to rotate the lineup a bit, maybe (it) adds freshness to the group. Soder's played well for us. It's up to him to prepare for his next chance and make a difference when he comes in."