Dave Bolland's non-serious upper-body injury might be more serious than previously thought.
Coach Joel Quenneville still maintained that Bolland's undisclosed injury isn't a long-term concern, but said the center was questionable for the opening weekend, a home-and-home with Dallas Stars starting Friday.
"He skated [Wednesday] after practice and tried it," Quenneville said. "He's questionable for the weekend. But hopefully we get him in."
Ben Smith (concussion) also hasn't been cleared for full contact, so he's questionable at least for the season opener.
Quenneville said the Hawks may recall players from Rockford because of the injuries. Asked if Michael Frolik plays center with Bolland out, Quenneville said Frolik and Bryan Bickell "on the wall might be what we're going to do," or, in other words, on the wings.
Centers Brandon Pirri and Marcus Kruger and winger Jimmy Hayes are considered the leading candidates to be recalled.
Wednesday was the first day Bolland skated since first missing practice last Thursday.
"Bolland gives you that reliable center that can play against top guys in a shutdown role," Quenneville said. "That line of [Bickell-Bolland-Frolik] played very well for us in the Vancouver series. I still think that it's not that far from getting back together again. Hopefully, you'll see it this weekend."
Anyone notice Frolik has a knack for not finishing. This preseason Bickell has put him in at least twice alone on the goalie and he can't score. He also missed a shoot-out opportunity. Jimmy Hayes is ready to play, Kruger should stay in the minors. Other than the fact he is young, I have no idea what the Hawks see in Kruger.