Montador returns to Blackhawks; Bollig sent down

Defenseman Steve Montador, who hasn’t played in a game in almost a year because of concussion-like symptoms, was cleared Wednesday to return to the Blackhawks’ lineup.

To make room for Montador, who was activated but not in the lineup against Colorado, winger Brandon Bollig was assigned to Rockford.

Montador hasn’t played since March 27, 2012, when he suffered a second concussion against New Jersey. That was his first game back in the lineup after missing 22 games with a concussion.

Montador was hurt again in practice during the lockout and missed the first 23 games of this season.

“He’s available,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said.

Montador gives the Hawks eight defensemen, which Quenneville views as a luxury.

“The first seven that we have played to date have played extremely well,” Quenneville said. “When I have to sit one out right now it’s a tough decision. They’re all deserving of playing. We’ll see how Monty works his way in, but certainly the group we’re playing right now we’re very happy with.

“You never have enough defensemen. That’s one area and position your depth is going to get challenged over the course of the season.”

Montador may or may not go to Colorado for Friday’s game with the Avs.

“I’m not saying he’s not going,” Quenneville said. “We’ll look at it to see if he’s going to play. He might not play.”

Quenneville thinks that even without Bollig there is plenty of toughness on the team.

“I think we’ve got plenty of toughness with Danny Carcillo and Jamal Mayers,” Quenneville said. “We have some internal toughness as well. We have a competitive group.”

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