Campbell Sits With Sprained MCL; Leddy Gets A Shot

    Chicago Blackhawks rookie defenseman Nick Leddy appears to be the benefactor of Brian Campbell's sprained MCL. He was hit awkwardly into the boards by Pittsburgh forward Eric Tangradi, which caused his knee to hyper-extend backwards.

"(It's) just a sprained MCL. I was up against the boards and...the guy didn't come and hit me hard or wasn't trying to hit me too much, but at the last second his knee went straight on mine and my knee hyperextended backward...It looks good, no other damage, (and I) should be 100 percent and ready to go. It's going to be tough missing the start of the season. I'm pretty disappointed in that, (but) I'll be pulling for the boys and getting back as soon as I can." - Brian Campbell on his injury

    After an MRI on Saturday, it is certain that there is no extensive damage elsewhere in the knee and Campbell will just need to rest for approximately 4-6 weeks. Known for his very smooth skating, Campbell will be wearing a brace upon return to the lineup which hopefully doesn't affect his footwork.

"I'll probably wear a brace, so that's going to be interesting to get used to...I've got that in the back of my mind, so I'll see how that's going to affect me. It'll be different the first couple of times, so I'll have to get used to it quick." - Brian Campbell on wearing a brace

    In Campbell's absence, Coach Joel Quenneville is going to take a long look at 19 year old Nick Leddy, who was obtained in the trade that saw promising Cam Barker shipped to Minnesota. He will most likely be paired with Campbell's usual partner in Niklas Hjalmarsson, who is poised for a potential breakout campaign. Coach Q and "Soupy" both have nothing but good things to say about the kid.

''He (Leddy) looks good back there...He seems to have the puck a lot [and] seems to have a nice gap. We like his instincts and how he moves.'' - Chicago Head Coach Joel Quenneville on Nick Leddy

"(Leddy's) been really good, really solid so far...He's doing some great things at a young age and seems pretty poised." - Brian Campbell on Nick Leddy

    The Hawks will be counting on a contingent of young players to keep them atop of the NHL's elite and Leddy seems to be a big piece of that going forward.

-Dustin Lundberg