The Blackhawks announced Friday that Carcillo will undergo surgery on Jan. 17 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Carcillo suffered the injury when he checked Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tom Gilbert hard into the end boards on Jan. 2.

Gilbert bounced off the boards and fell directly on Carcillo's left leg. The Oilers didn't have a chance to respond to the hit as Carcillo lay on the ice, holding his left leg in obvious pain. Carcillo was helped off the ice by John Scott and Jamal Mayers.

The hit also resulted in Carcillo receiving a seven-game suspension, which ends after Sunday's game against the San Jose Sharks.

The Hawks had been mum about the extent of Carcillo's injury. But general manager Stan Bowman and coach Joel Quenneville both said surgery was an option.

"This decision was made [Friday] after much evaluation and consideration of various options," team doctor Michael Terry said. "We anticipate a full return in six months."

Carcillo, 26, had 11 points (two goals), 82 penalty minutes and a plus-10 plus in 28 games this year.