Injuries delay Forsberg return

Forget about Peter Forsberg signing with the Blackhawks -- at least this season.

Forsberg's agent told Canada's The Sports Network on Monday that it was unlikely the 34-year-old former MVP would return to the NHL this season because of chronic foot and ankle problems that still cause him serious pain when he skates.

The Hawks reportedly offered Forsberg a contract for two years after this one, which means it's possible general manager Dale Tallon will continue to explore a deal with Forsberg this summer.

"The prospect of Peter having enough confidence in the foot-skate issue to commit to being able to play in the NHL this season isn't where it needs to be at this moment," agent Don Baizley told TSN. "As a result, teams are being told it is unlikely he will be able to commit to return to the NHL this season."

The Hawks were one of a handful of teams still in the running for Forsberg along with Philadelphia, Colorado, Anaheim and Vancouver.

As recently as Sunday, Tallon remained hopeful that Forsberg would sign with the Hawks.

Sign in please: Brent Seabrook believes the Hawks are going places, which made it a no-brainer for the defenseman to agree to a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension.

"I think we're going to be a very good team for years to come," Seabrook said. "I'm super thrilled because I love the city and the direction we're going."

Seabrook, Patrick Sharp and Brent Sopel all have signed contract extensions in the last month.

"Brent Seabrook is one of our core players and we feel he has a brilliant future," GM Dale Tallon said. "He's a big part of our team and one of our team leaders. He's going to be a major part of our success for years to come."

Tough break: A fracture that was discovered in Yanic Perreault's wrist will keep the center out for a minimum of 7-10 days.

Hawks coach Denis Savard said Perreault suffered the injury Feb. 7 at Calgary.

The injury isn't believed to be serious, which should be important to those teams that might be interested in dealing for Perreault ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline.

On the mend: Jason Williams, who has appeared in only one game since mid-November because of a sports hernia that required surgery, is close to playing but won't dress for tonight's game in St. Louis.

There's a chance Williams could return Wednesday against Minnesota at the United Center.

"I'm not going to change the lineup (tonight)," Savard said. "It would be pretty tough to break up the chemistry we have. I know I have to get him in, but what I do is going to be a tough decision."

Nikolai Khabibulin's sore knee has improved, but Patrick Lalime will get the start against the Blues. Savard left open the possibility of Khabibulin playing Wednesday against the Wild.