On the first day of free agency, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Wilmette, Ill. native Tommy Wingels to a one-year contract.
Three weeks later, he’s had a minor setback.
Wingels broke his left foot during offseason training, the team doctor confirmed Friday. His timetable to return is six to eight weeks and is expected to be ready for training camp in September.
Dr. Terry: “We anticipate a full recovery in six to eight weeks and in time for training camp. We do not anticipate any long-term issues.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 21, 2017
Wingels, who turned 29 in April, is coming off a 2016-17 season that was split between the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators. He played seven games, scoring seven goals and adding five assists while averaging 10:30 of ice time per game. He was expected to compete for a fourth-line position on the Hawks’ roster, along with a host of other free-agent signings and developing prospects within the organization.
Having Wingels’ offseason training affected by this injury is going to make it more difficult for him to compete for one of those fourth-line spots.