Defenseman Alex Vlasic will miss the Chicago Blackhawks’ final three preseason games with a lower-body injury suffered Sunday against the Minnesota Wild , but coach Jeff Blashill hopes the 24-year-old will be ready for next Tuesday’s season opener versus the Florida Panthers.

Early in the third period in Minnesota, a skate cut into Vlasic’s side, sidelining him for the remainder of the game. Keeping him out for the rest of the preseason will give the wound time to heal, Blashill said.

The Hawks play the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night at the United Center and also host the Wild on Friday and the St. Louis Blues on Saturday.

Blashill said he will speak with his team regarding cut-resistant equipment. He wouldn’t characterize Vlasic’s injury as a “freak” incident.

“I can’t say it’s

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