Brandon Manning was getting ready to hit the ice for the first time as a Blackhawk, when his new team made the announcement: Connor Murphy will miss eight weeks with a back injury and Brent Seabrook will miss one week with an abdominal injury.
Manning was signed by the Blackhawks this offseason to provide defensive help, and Friday morning provided a reminder of just how important he could be to this team.
No pressure for a guy still trying to learn names and find places to eat around Chicago.
"Probably doesn't change much for me. Obviously, coming into an organization like this, I want to prove myself," Manning said. "Might have to play a few more [minutes] but I'm not going to change much for myself. Just going to go out and try to be a presence."
Manning made 65 appearances for the Philadelphia Flyers last season, learning a thing or two about playing for a team looking to get back to the playoffs. He played a role on a Flyers team that improved by 10 points in the 2017-18 season and made the postseason in a crowded Metropolitan Division.
Manning said he already has some idea of what to expect when it comes to learning the Blackhawks system.
"Some system and stuff are going to change, but I think every team kind of tweaks things, especially if you miss the playoffs for a year," he said. "As you get familiar with a partner, one guy you might be playing with more, it's just a matter of time and working through it through camp."
After an intense practice, Manning said he knows it will take time to get comfortable with the Blackhawks, but he's already getting to know his new city.
"Pretty good restaurants so far, lots of options," he said. "Like Philly, a great sports city. I may go to some football games and you've got two baseball teams. The Cubs have been doing well, so for me, I kind of like that stuff. You get away from the rink and see some different things."
BLOG: Manning's opportunity in Chicago
With injuries on the blueline, Brandon Manning has a chance to prove himself with Blackhawks
