Morning Bag Skate: Duncan Keith battling unknown illness

The Blackhawks have a few days off now before hitting the ice again over the weekend, but we still have the first episode of "The Road to the Winter Classic" to watch and review. That should give us something to gnaw on before the real hockey returns. Here's the news:

**Joel Quenneville said Tuesday that he doesn't know what's wrong with Duncan Keith. I think we're all just hoping it's not mumps. (CSN Chicago)

**The 'Hawks reassigned Scott Darling to AHL Rockford after Tuesday's game. (SCH)

**Here's a guide on how to watch the EPIX reality series featuring the Blackhawks and Capitals (SCH)

**Pittsburgh confirmed on Twitter that forward Beau Bennett has mumps (Penguins)

**The Kings revealed their special jerseys for the Stadium Series (PHT)

**Connor McDavid has been cleared for contact in anticipation of the World Junior championships later this month (The Canadian Press)

**The Sabres and Blue Jackets swapped young forwards, with Luke Adam heading to Columbus and Jerry D'Amigo joining Buffalo. (Die By The Blade)

**The Lightning don't think Ben Bishop's injury is serious but will be cautious and keep him sidelined for a little bit (NHL)

**The Russian ruble in a "tailspin" that could have devastating effects on the KHL (PHT)

**A big blow for Winnipeg as the team announced Jacob Trouba will be sidelined until February with an upper body injury (Jets)

**Stephen Weiss is back on short-term IR due to an ongoing shoulder injury (MLive)

**The Kings and forward Justin Williams have begun discussions on a new contract (PHT)