CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador has been activated, but will not play against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.

The Blackhawks assigned forward Brandon Bollig to the Rockford IceHogs on Wednesday and will now carry eight defensemen.

"Defense is a position where you love depth," Quenneville said. "I think this year we've utilized all six in the lineup over the course of a game where everybody gets more minutes than maybe in the past, a little bit more shared minutes. I think the more you get, the better you're going to play.

"I think the first seven (defensemen) we're playing to date are playing extremely well. To have to sit one out right now is always a tough decision. They're deserving of playing. We'll see with (Montador) working his way in is something we'll measure."

Montador hasn't played in a game since March 27. He missed time on two occasions due to head injuries last season. He had five goals, nine assists and a plus/minus rating of plus-4 in 52 games last season.

Montador signed a four-year, $11 million contract with the Blackhawks in June of 2011. He has played 571 career NHL games.

Quenneville said goaltender Ray Emery will start against the Avalanche. Emery is 9-0-0 with a 2.02 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

Forward Michael Frolik will miss his second consecutive game because of the flu. Quenneville is uncertain if Frolik will travel to Colorado for Friday's game.