Chicago Blackhawks make goaltending decision due to unforeseen injury

"[It's] just a unique position for a big guy,» Richardson said. «We had a timeline; [we were] hoping [he could return] early in the year. But we had to adjust that because he wasn't ready.»

General manager Kyle Davidson asserted last weekend he's «not worried» about the long-term availability of Brossoit, who is on a two-year contract.

«Those kinds of injuries for a player versus a goalie, it's a bit different with a goalie,» Davidson said. «You're talking about a knee and up-down [movement] and contact. You just want to make sure it's good.»

«We have a young guy that's probably our future,» he said. «The sky is the limit for this guy. I really like him, and the organization loves him.

«We just have to make sure we're careful. And that was the plan this year - to be careful and not bring him up too quick. We had some injuries, but still we don't want to push him too hard. But he keeps playing well, so we keep putting him in net. He deserves it, too.»