Marcus Kruger Missing From Blackhawks Camp Because Of Visa Delay

(CBS) Blackhawks forward Marcus Kruger wasn't at the team's season-opening practice Friday at Notre Dame because he's still awaiting a visa to come over from his native Sweden, ESPN.com reported.

Kruger isn't expected to be in attendance at training camp this weekend as he awaits a solution to the issue. The Blackhawks signed Kruger, a restricted free agent, to a one-year deal last Friday after he'd been in a holding pattern all offseason, waiting for the team to clear cap space so he could return. That created a delay in the signing of his contract, which he needed for the visa, his agent told ESPN.com.

Kruger's expected to report to the Blackhawks early next week. Chicago hosts Detroit in a preseason contest Tuesday.

Kruger had seven goals and 10 assists in 81 games last season. He was also a steady presence on the team's penalty kill.