Chicago Blackhawks announce dreadful news for veteran defenseman Alec Martinez

The Chicago Blackhawks are off to an unsurprisingly poor start this season, posting a 1-2-1 start through four games, but with much more experienced talent on their roster this season, their optimism is much higher than 2023/24. Unfortunately, they've now got some bad news, as veteran blue-liner Alec Martinez is officially heading to injured reserve after a brutal groin injury issue that could keep him out for some time.

The team officially announced the news on Thursday on social media after a strong four-game start to the season for Martinez, who has become an injury liability across his career, playing 70 or more games in a season just once since the 2018/19 campaign.

In his place, the Blackhawks have recalled Isaak Phillips, who will stand in for Martinez's absence as the team reshuffles their lineup for a matchup against the San Jose Sharks in a highly anticipated home opener at the United Center.

In four games this season, Martinez has been a veteran leader for these Blackhawks, tallying one assist and leading the team in blocked shots with 15, all while bringing two Stanley Cup titles of experience to a talented young team, but in his absence, the team will notice a major hole on their blue line. The Blackhawks aren't expected to compete for a playoff spot in 2024/25, but with some exciting young talents and a solid group of veterans, they should be a very tough opponent all season long, without Martinez, the blue line will no doubt drop in their quality of play in a big way.