Chicago Blackhawks’ Crawford May Not Return This Season

Chicago Blackhawks’ goaltender Corey Crawford could be out the rest of the season due to “vertigo-like symptoms,” according to a report

There have been a bevy of rumors surrounding Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford, which you could find if you went and scoured social media. But now we finally have an update on Crow, who has been on injured reserve since late December with nary a peep about his wellness.

The Blackhawks reportedly fear Crow could miss the rest of the season due to “vertigo-like symptoms.” I had initially thought Crow was dealing with another lower-body injury, as he did earlier in the season, but apparently he has some sort of upper-body injury related to his head.

Crow has dealt with a number of concussions and hits to the head in his career. I’m not a medical expert, so I couldn’t tell you how much those could relate to vertigo. The most-recent case I can think of regarding an NHL goaltender and vertigo is former Ducks netminder Jonas Hiller, who dealt with this issue in the early 2010s.

This is a major concern for a goalie, as lightheadedness and slow reaction time are no good for someone tasked with stopping vulcanized rubber. The Blackhawks will not be able to bring back Crow until he is symptom-free.

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Now, there will be some who believe Crow’s injury is something else entirely, based on rumors out on social media. And that’s fine. Nothing is guaranteed. The Blackhawks have faced additional scrutiny this season because of Marian Hossa being on injured reserve due to a skin condition that, to the outside observer, came out of nowhere.

But I’m going to trust this report until I’m given a reason not to. It’s not good news for Crow or the Blackhawks, regardless. The goaltending situation has been hit and miss since Crow went down for a second time this season, with Anton Forsberg and Jeff Glass going between solid and terrible.

This is obviously a bigger concern due to Crow’s contract and the Blackhawks’ constantly messy salary cap situation. If this vertigo-like issue lingers beyond this season, there could be some serious talks to get Crow’s contract off the books.

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But that’s all speculation. Let’s hope Crow can get healthy and get back on the ice before the 2017-18 season ends, as that’s the Blackhawks’ best chance to actually qualify for the postseason.