Blackhawks' Crawford says concussion has been the issue

Corey Crawford confirmed what we all suspected: A concussion has kept him out of the Blackhawks' lineup since last December.

After working out at MB Ice Arena on Friday before the Hawks opened training camp, the two-time Stanley Cup winning goaltender spoke to a throng of media who hinged on his every word.

"We want to talk more about injuries," Crawford said. "Last year was a concussion and I'm still getting over symptoms. Most of them are gone, but I'm not clear yet. So until that happens, I won't be back in."

In a departure from old-school thinking, the Hawks are indeed entering a new era in how they disclose injuries. No longer will we hear the terms "upper body" or "lower body."

In addition to admitting what ails Crawford, the Hawks also announced defenseman Connor Murphy will miss eight weeks with a back injury and Brent Seabrook is out a week with an abdominal injury.

The 33-year-old Crawford did not join his 50-plus teammates during the opening day of practice, but he did spend about 45 minutes on the ice with goaltending coach Jimmy Waite.

Crawford worked on lateral movement and faced some low-impact shots from Waite. They hope to ramp up the intensity over the coming days.

As for when Crawford might be able to join his teammates? It's a good question with no ready answer.

"It was tough not playing," Crawford said. "But right now I'm feeling good. Mike Gapski, our head trainer, has done a ton to help me out. I'm getting all the treatment that I need and am trying to get back as quick as possible. But I'm close. I'm really close."

If Crawford isn't ready when the Hawks open at Ottawa on Oct. 4, the starter's job will fall to Cam Ward, whom GM Stan Bowman signed to a one-year deal in July. Ward, a veteran of 668 NHL games, went 23-14-4 with a .906 save percentage and 2.73 goals-against average in Carolina last season.

"He's going handle the load of being a No. 1 guy if that's what's called upon," Bowman said. "As of right now, that's what it looks like. That can change as Corey progresses towards that role.

"But it's nice knowing that we've got a guy that's got hundreds of games under his belt and he's played in pressure situations."

Crawford was vague on when the concussion occurred, only saying it happened before his last appearance at Carolina on Dec. 23. The Hawks placed him on injured reserve four days later and he never came close to returning.

"It just got to a point where it was time to sit out and things never really got better," Crawford said. "We thought maybe we'd try it when I went to Arizona (with the team in February). We were at a point too where we were close in the standings. (Then) it didn't seem like it was worth it when we started to slide.

"It was better to think about long term rather than trying to rush back."

Considering what we know about how concussions can cause long-term detrimental effects on athletes, I felt it necessary to ask Crawford if he ever considered retiring.

He almost admitted it, saying: "When it lingers that long …"

But then he paused and said: "I don't know. I was still into it. I was really just going day to day and seeing how I was feeling when I got up. You know, it didn't really creep into my mind that much."