Hawks place Toews on IR

The Chicago Blackhawks placed center Jonathon Toews on injured reserve this morning and have recalled forward Brandon Pirri from Rockford of the American Hockey League.

Toews left Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators in the second period due to an upper-body injury.

Toews is second in the League with 27 goals and second on the Hawks with 50 points. He was picked for his third All-Star Game earlier this month.

"You certainly miss his leadership and how important he is to our team," coach Joel Quenneville said Monday. "It changes the complexion of what our options are, but it's part of it. You get tested along the way. Everybody goes through it, top guys out, key guys. It's certainly going to test us.”

"Guys are going to have to step up and try to fill the void," added teammate Patrick Kane. "We have to make sure we're focused and worry about the task at hand. He plays in every situation, key player, a guy you definitely miss if he's out of the lineup. You can't replace a player like (Patrick) Sharp or Toews, but there are some guys who can step up, and they have. These are big opportunities for myself and a lot of guys here."

Taking Toews' place in the middle of the top line -- at least to start tonight's game against Nashville -- will be Dave Bolland.

"I don't want him to change how he plays," Quenneville said Monday. "He doesn't have to be Johnny or an offensive type of guy. Play to your strength."

Contact Adam Kimelman at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK

Back to top