Trevor van Riemsdyk Undergoes 'Successful' Surgery On Patella Fracture

(CBS) Blackhawks rookie defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk underwent what the team called a "successful" surgery Thursday to repair a left patella (kneecap) fracture.

While this is par for the course -- have you ever heard a team say surgery didn't go well? -- it's good news to know that the 23-year-old van Riemsdyk is expected to make a full recovery in the original timetable of three to four months. That would have him back in late February or March. The playoffs start in mid-April.

van Riemsdyk suffered the injury when he was hit with a shot in Chicago's win against Dallas on Sunday night at the United Center.

"Trevor underwent successful surgery today to repair his left patella fracture," Blackhawks head physician Dr. Michael Terry said. "The procedure went very well and I anticipate a full recovery in three to four months."

van Riemsdyk was the surprise of Chicago's training camp, showing a consistency that earned him a roster spot. He had one assist and a plus/minus of zero in 18 games, averaging 13:32 of ice time.

In his place, the Blackhawks have called up 22-year-old defenseman Adam Clendening.

Chicago next plays tonight at Calgary.