Blackhawks' Marcus Kruger: Will miss final exhibition match

Kruger (upper body) will sit out Wednesday's World Cup of Hockey pre-tournament match against Team Europe, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis:

Coach Rikard Gronborg indicated that Kruger is on pace to return to action for the Group Stage opener against Team Russia on Saturday. The center missed half of last season with a wrist injury, so owners who stuck with him can breathe easy, as it appears this latest ailment will not have a long-term impact. Of course, even when he's healthy, the 26-year-old's production has been minimal, as he has yet to score double-digit goals in any of his six NHL seasons.