Jan 26, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Mathieu Olivier (25) and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy (5) exchange shoves after the whistle during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is expected to be sidelined 10-to-14 days with a right hip injury, the team announced Thursday.
“Murph plays a lot of minutes for us, plays a big role, particularly defensively,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. “He’s physical, he kills penalties, plays against top players. We’ll miss him. But throughout the year you’re going to be missing good players. We have to find a way to fill the void.”
Murphy has recorded five points (two goals, three assists) in 13 games this season. His average ice time of 22:45 is the second most among skaters on the team behind fellow defenseman Duncan Keith (24:09).
The 27-year-old Murphy has 100 points (27 goals, 73 assists) in 457 career games with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes and Blackhawks.
Murphy isn’t the only member of the Blackhawks slated to sit out Thursday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Related: NHL power rankings – Colorado and Florida clinch, Bolts cool down
Forward Andrew Shaw was placed in the concussion protocol after being elbowed in the face by Dallas Stars defenseman Joel Hanley in Chicago’s 2-1 overtime win on Tuesday.
Concussions are nothing new for Shaw, who missed almost all of last season with the lingering effects of a head injury.
“It’s terrible,” Colliton said of Shaw’s situation.
Shaw, 29, has collected four points (two goals, two assists) in 14 games this season.
A two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Blackhawks (2013, 2015), Shaw has 247 points (116 goals, 131 assists) in 544 career games with Chicago and the Montreal Canadiens.
Related: NHL power rankings – Colorado and Florida clinch, Bolts cool down
–Field Level Media