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Chicago’s Montador (concussion) not close to returning

stevemontadorgetty

James

The Blackhawks could be without the services of Steve Montador for a long while.

The 33-year-old defenseman is still dealing with serious post-concussion symptoms and hasn’t skated with teammates in weeks, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Montador can’t elevate his heart rate without suffering symptoms and will reportedly “concentrate on becoming healthy in every day life” before figuring out what’s next for his playing career.

Montador signed a four-year, $11 million deal with Chicago prior to last season and got off to a solid start, racking up 14 points in his first 52 games.

But his season took an unfortunate turn in February, when he suffered a concussion against Colorado. He returned for one game -- Mar. 27 against New Jersey -- but only lasted four minutes before he was pulled from action and shut down for the year.

Montador then suffered more misfortune during the lockout.

After being medically cleared by team doctors, he began skating during informal practices...during which he collided with a teammate and suffered another head injury.

He hasn’t returned to the ice since.

Note: According to Chris Kuc of the Tribune, Montador was the only Blackhawks player not to pass his physical during training camp.