On Friday morning, Corey Crawford returned to the ice for the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time in nearly seven months. Having missed half of the regular season last year, Crawford’s health has become a major focal point for the Blackhawks organization and their fans heading into the 2018-19 season. Crawford’s return, while limited in nature, is a major step in his recovery process.
Corey Crawford Returns To The Ice, Says He Is Overcoming Concussion Symptoms
An hour before the Blackhawks opened training camp at the MB Ice Arena on Friday, the first player to step on the ice was Corey Crawford. The two-time Cup Champion goaltender hit the ice with just he and goaltending coach Jimmy Waite. Getting out ahead of the rest of the team, Crawford would go through what would be a 45-minute individual workout. It marked the first time that Crawford was on the ice, in the public, since a one-off workout in February.
Skating for the first time in seven months, Crawford worked through simple drills with Waite before the rest of his teammates opened camp. The major news came once Crawford left the ice and spoke to the media.
Corey Crawford reveals he was dealing with a concussion last season: “Things have been progressing. But right now I’m not ready to go yet.” #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/tNECYlJko2
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) September 14, 2018
In his first media availability since the Blackhawks Fan Convention, Crawford confirmed that he suffered a concussion last December, and that he was still working through the symptoms. He went on to say that he has yet to be cleared to return to regular work on the ice, and that he has been progressing.
Crawford also stated that the Blackhawks will be more transparent when it comes to injuries in the future.
Corey Crawford: "We want to talk more about injuries [this year]. "Last year was a concussion, and I'm still getting over symptoms. Most of them are gone, but I'm not clear yet. Until that happens, I won't be back in."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 14, 2018
This came shortly after the team announced that Brent Seabrook and Connor Murphy would miss time to begin the year.
Medical update on Murphy, Seabrook and Forsling. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/EpWD34Sjt6
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) September 14, 2018
While the Blackhawks still do not have a timetable for his return, having Crawford on the ice is a major step forward. The organization kept his health and readiness secretive for so long that the mere sight of Corey on the ice, working through drills at half-speed, was a breath of fresh air to relieve some of the worry and questions surrounding him.
For he and the organization to shift their stance on being more open and transparent about injuries moving forward will benefit them and the Blackhawks fan community to understand what is happening with the team, day-to-day.
As far as Crawford’s status is concerned, by his words, he is not ready yet, but he is progressing.
Training Camp continues tomorrow with the team’s annual Training Camp Festival at the United Center, and their first preseason game will be in Columbus against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.