Jan Hejda News

The Blackhawks have signed Jan Hejda to a professional tryout (PTO).

Hejda, 37, had one goal and 12 assists (13 points) in 81 games with the Avalanche last season. He has averaged three goals and 14 assists (17 points) per 82 games throughout his NHL career—so he is not a fantasy relevant blueliner even if he signs with the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

Jan Hejda
Hejda is day-to-day with a knee injury.

Hejda was held out of last night’s game against the Lightning because of a knee injury. The Avalanche are back in action on Tuesday, monitor Hejda’s status prior to their meeting with the Predators. If he is unable to play again, Stefan Elliott will remain in the lineup.

Jan Hejda
Hejda (knee) is expected to play on Saturday.

Hejda was injured on a collision with the boards that looked like it was going to cost him an extender period of time. However he only missed three games. Hejda enters Saturday's game with a plus-17 rating, which is tied for the team lead with Erik Johnson and tied for 2nd in the NHL.

Jan Hejda
Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda missed his second consecutive game Sunday but is poised to return to the lineup much quicker than most had thought.

Hejda went down with a knee injury on Thursday at Edmonton. Hejda flew back to Denver on Friday to be evaluated by team doctors, who determined he suffered only a strain. Hejda might return skating this week and possibly play Saturday against the visiting Minnesota Wild, or next Monday against Dallas.

Jan Hejda
Jan Hejda is heading home, to Denver, to see the team doctor about his right knee, coach Patrick Roy said.

Hejda’s first-period collision in the corner didn’t look good, and obviously sending him home to Denver is not a good sign for the big veteran D who is having a real good year. Hejda joins Ryan Wilson as Avalanche D-men on the shelf right now. Expect Cory Sarich to slide back into the lineup tonight and for Colorado to make a roster move.

Jan Hejda
Avs coach Joe Sacco also said defenseman Jan Hejda, who missed Wednesday's 4-3 overtime win over Florida with a groin injury, will be available during the two-game trip that concludes Sunday in Anaheim.

The veteran Hejda managed four goals and 12 points over his first 47 games in Colorado.

Jan Hejda
Hejda is supposed to be out 2-4 weeks with a knee injury, and there seemed a lot of doubt whether he’d be ready for opening night against Detroit. Doesn’t seem like much doubt now. He’s out there skating hard, in a full-contact scrimmage.

Hejda's health affects Kyle Cumiskey, Shane O'Brien and Stefan Elliott -- all of which are competing with more established players for playing time. Last season, the stay-at-home defender scored five goals and 20 points through 77 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Don't expect anything more than those point totals, which were quite close to career highs. Don't expect much more in terms of production.

Jan Hejda
Sacco also said defenseman Jan Hejda’s timetable remains the same — two to four weeks from a knee injury, but he’s hoping for the former, which would mean the big guy is playing in game No. 2 that kicks off a five-game road trip in Boston on Oct. 10.

Hejda's absense will allow a defender like Kyle Cumiskey or Jonas Holos to make the team. Last season, the stay-at-home defender scored five goals and 20 points through 77 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Don't expect anything more than those point totals, which were quite close to career highs.

Jan Hejda