Defenseman Steve Montador might reap benefits from concussion
BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com September 17, 2012 8:28PM
Hawks defenseman Steve Montador works the point during the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres Wednesday January 18, 2012. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
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Updated: October 19, 2012 6:19AM
An inadvertent elbow to the head during a game March 27 meant more time on the injured list for Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador, but that might play to his benefit during the lockout.
Montador has more time to
recover from his concussion and might be one of the few injured players who gets paid according to his contract during the lockout. An injured player hurt during a game or practice is paid his full salary
until he is fully recovered and cleared by team staff. Montador said he has yet to be cleared.
Winger Marian Hossa also might be eligible to be paid. He has been recovering from his concussion in his native Slovakia. His agent
declined comment.
‘‘To the best of my knowledge, I think that’s the case,’’ said Montador, who has a $2.3 million salary for this season. ‘‘Hopefully it doesn’t come to that because I don’t want to be in that position. . . . I don’t want to be
injured. I don’t want to not be able to get physical out there and be ready.
‘‘At the same time, you don’t get a lot of contact [at informal workouts] like you would in a practice, and that’s strictly something where I haven’t had the opportunity. So in a small way, it’s a blessing in disguise if perhaps you have some extra time off. We’d be starting on Friday, but when we’re locked out, you can’t.’’
