Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw back in concussion protocol

Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw opted out of the 2019-20 NHL season restart held over the summer as he recovered from his latest concussion. The long-term playing future of the 29-year-old may now be in doubt. 

The Blackhawks confirmed that Shaw won't play in Thursday's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets because he is in the concussion protocol. He had tallied two goals and two assists across 14 games this season until his latest setback. 

As Charlie Roumeliotis pointed out for NBC Sports (h/t Yahoo Sports), Shaw took an elbow to the face delivered by Dallas Stars defenseman Joel Hanley in the second period of Tuesday's game between the clubs. It's believed that collision caused the injury.

"It’s terrible," Chicago head coach Jeremy Colliton told reporters on Thursday. "I don’t have much more to say other than that. Very disappointing." 

Colliton's playing career was cut short because of head injuries. 

"It’s the personal part that’s hard to swallow," Colliton added. "Not much to say about it. We've got to professionally do our job and come in here and play hard. We have a good thing going but we have to earn it every day. Part of it is doing it without your full group. We have to do both: feel for Shawzy and get it done anyway." 

Chicago is coming off three straight victories heading into back-to-back contests against Columbus on Thursday and Saturday.