Behind Enemy Lines: Offseason Injuries

May 8, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Cleary (11) is looked at by the team trainer after suffering an apparent injury after being hit by Anaheim Ducks center Daniel Winnik (34) during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Blackhawks fans have nothing but optimism for the upcoming NHL season with a secure core of healthy players. Other teams around the league are not so lucky, being plagued with injuries and uncertainty leading up to the 2014-2015 season. Here’s a look at a few offseason injuries that may affect the start of the season.

The L.A. Kings are already on a high from winning the Stanley Cup in 2014, but a team can’t make it that far without a few injuries along the way. Forward Kyle Clifford had surgery on his wrist in June to heal a bone fracture that he sustained at an undisclosed time during the season. They predict a full recovery by the start of the season. The Kings’ goaltender Jonathan Quick had surgery on his wrist for an undisclosed injury sustained in the playoffs. He should recover by the start of next season.

Goaltender Jonas Hiller formerly of the Anaheim Ducks but now of the Calgary Flames recently had an appendicitis episode which required a “minor procedure”. He should be well in time to start his first season with the Flames in October.

Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins has an injured right wrist and is trying to avoid surgery, opting for an alternative injection treatment instead. The injection may or may not work, so Crosby may or may not still need surgery. The powers that be speculate that he will be better in time for the start of next season, but this seems to have “lingering injury” written all over it.

Red Wings forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg both had surgery last season and hope to be better by training camp. Datsyuk may or may not have another surgery on his knee before the season starts which would extend his recovery time. Darren Helm and Stephen Weiss suffered their own injuries last season but look like they will be ready for training camp to help the Red Wings get back on track after an injury-plagued season last year.

And San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl suffered a knee injury in December of last year which cut short his rookie season, but only after he scored a few highlight reel goals. The injury was reagitated earlier this month, but Hertl claims he is feeling fit to play.

Which of these injuries do you think will affect their team the most?

For more updates and conversation, follow us on Twitter @Blackhawk_Up and friend us on Facebook at Blackhawk Up.