Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Blackhawks' Tyler Johnson Suffers Ankle Injury, Out For Near Future

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 1/23/23

The veteran forward can't seem to shake the left ankle sprain that has already sidelined him for 20-plus games this season.

The Chicago Blackhawks will be without Tyler Johnson for the foreseeable future. The veteran forward suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Kings, and he likely won't join the Blackhawks for their upcoming road trip to Western Canada.

"I don't think they think it's bad as it was before but it's obviously reaggravated, so that's frustrating for him and it's tough for the team," head coach Luke Richardson said of Johnson's injury.

Richardson was referencing Johnson's previous ankle sprain, which kept him out for 20 games earlier this season.

This isn't the first time Johnson has reaggravated that injury, either. In his second game back from the initial sprain, he tweaked his ankle and missed two more games as a result.

Johnson may be past his prime, but he's still a key cog in the Blackhawks' lineup. A mainstay of Chicago's top-six, the 32-year-old has 14 points (five goals, nine assists) in 21 games this season.

Who Will Replace Tyler Johnson in the Blackhawks Lineup?

With Tyler Johnson sidelined, the Chicago Blackhawks could elect to recall top prospect Lukas Reichel from the Rockford IceHogs. Reichel played well during his last NHL stint and recorded a three-point night on Jan. 8 in what was a breakout game against the Calgary Flames.

If not, Boris Katchouk could re-enter the lineup after being a healthy scratch for eight straight games.

The Blackhawks hit the road Tuesday to visit the Vancouver Canucks for the first contest of a three-game road swing. They'll face the Calgary Flames Thursday and the Edmonton Oilers Saturday to wrap up the trip.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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