Chicago Blackhawks: Why It Is Best to Sit Jonathan Toews Until the Playoffs

The Chicago Blackhawks just don't have the best of fortune when it comes to dealing with concussions.

With Jonathan Toews slowly approaching a possible return, the 'Hawks would do well to think twice when it comes to getting him back on the ice. Steve Montador's abbreviated appearance should be proof positive that an extra game or two of rest couln't hurt.

Montador was put back on the ice Tuesday after missing 22 games, skated for just 4:20 and was removed in the third period after a collision with Mark Fayne early in the third period. Could that be the last time we see Montador in action this season?

Twice before Montador, the 'Hawks have brought players back from head injuries only to see them require additional recovery time. Back on February 23rd, Niklas Hjalmarsson returned from a seven-game absence to play in Dallas. Following his appearance against the Stars, he was out another six games.

After getting his bell rung in Pittsburgh back in December, Marcus Kruger was allowed to play over 14 minutes against Columbus on December 26th. Following that contest, Kruger was out eight games with concussion symptoms.

Does it raise eyebrows that Kruger was out for a single game following a concussion suffered in Vancouver last week? The Blackhawks are playing a young center with two cases of concussion symptoms this season.

No one wants Toews to be young center No. 2.

Chicago has held their playoff position since Toews left the lineup after the 'Hawks' February 19th game with St. Louis. He has missed 19 games now. Would it kill the team for him to miss the next five?

The Blackhawks are a Phoenix regulation loss from being a postseason lock. There is a good chance that they will be able to hold the sixth seed whether Toews plays or not. The extra time until the playoffs start April 11th might be just what the doctor ordered.

At some point, Toews is going to have to get on the ice and find out if he can hold up under game conditions. Getting back for a couple of regular season contests would help Toews get his legs under him for a first-round series.

On the other hand, who wants to see Toews skating in Detroit on the season's last day and have Niklas Kronwall rattle the captain against the boards?

There may be no easy answers as Toews presumably nears a return. Considering Chicago's luck with Kruger, Hjalmarsson and Montador, erring on the side of caution may not be the worst strategy in this case.