Colin Blackwell of the Chicago Blackhawks out for season after surgery

Chicago Blackhawks forward Colin Blackwell underwent successful sports hernia surgery on Wednesday, effectively ending his season. The surgery was performed in New York. Blackwell is expected to be out for approximately 12 weeks.

Blackwell, who turned 30 on Tuesday, has been out of the lineup since February 27 due to a groin injury. He left the game against the Anaheim Ducks after just five minutes and 52 seconds of ice time.

In his first season with the Blackhawks, Blackwell recorded 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in 53 games. He averaged 11 minutes and 48 seconds of ice time per game, primarily playing on the fourth line.

Colin Blackwell signed a two-year contract with the Blackhawks last summer, which carries a cap hit of $1.12 million. While he will miss the remainder of the season, he should be ready to go for training camp in September.

The loss to Blackwell is a blow to the Blackhawks' forward depth. While he primarily played a bottom-six role, he provided energy and tenacity to the lineup. The Blackhawks are currently the worst team in the Central Division. They have recorded an abysmal 24-40-6 record through 70 games.

The Journey of Colin Blackwell: From High School Captain to NHL

Colin Blackwell has played for several teams since making his debut in the 2018-19 season with the Nashville Predators. Blackwell was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. He had an impressive high school career where he captained the St. John's Prep team.

Blackwell went on to play five seasons in the NCAA with Harvard University. He was a part of the 2014-15 NCAA ECAC championship team alongside future NHLers Alex Kerfoot and Jimmy Vesey. Blackwell totaled 58 points in 94 NCAA games and was awarded the NCAA (New England) Unsung Hero Award during the 2015-16 season.

After college, Blackwell signed with the Nashville Predators and spent time with their AHL affiliate before making his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season. He has since played for the New York Rangers, Seattle Kraken, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Blackwell had his most productive season with the Rangers during the 2020-21 campaign, where he notched a career-high 12 goals and 22 points in 47 games. He has recorded 27 goals and 35 assists in 191 NHL games

In addition to his NHL career, Colin Blackwell represented the United States at the 2021 World Championship. He notched four goals in 10 games and took home a bronze medal.