Blackwell is dealing with a lower-body injury but should return before Opening Night, Robert Tiffin of NHL.com reports Monday.
Blackwell could still return for an upcoming preseason contest, but his focus will be on the Opening Night clash with St. Louis on Oct. 2. In 70 regular-season games last year, the 33-year-old center notched four goals and 11 helpers. As such, he is unlikely to have enough fantasy value in most formats.