The Blackhawks held their first (optional) practice coming out of the Olympic break on Tuesday afternoon. Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser, who suffered a lower-body injury just before the break, was not on the ice. That wasn’t news.
After the skate, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill provided a somewhat cautious update on Kaiser’s status. He said Kaiser will not be available coming out of the break, but the coach does expect Kaiser to play again this season. That’s good news.
Kaiser, 23, ranks third among Blackhawks defensemen averaging 19:10 per game. He’s emerged as a key part of the Blackhawks’ exceptional penalty kill, averaging 2:00 per game short-handed.
Kaiser has also spent more ice time with Artyom Levshunov this season, helping the Blackhawks’ 20-year-old get comfortable in the NHL.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn ImagesBlackhawks Plan Without Kaiser
One can assume Kaiser will be placed on IR coming out of the break to make room on the NHL roster for a replacement. With Kaiser expected to miss time on the left side of the blue line, the Blackhawks figure to have two primary options to recall from Rockford: Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro.
Who they recall may be influenced by the NHL trade deadline, which is just 12 days after the NHL returns to game action. But his injury should not affect the Blackhawks’ approach to the trade deadline.
Veteran Matt Grzelcyk, who is skating on a one-year, $1M deal — and, like Kaiser, is left-handed — could be dealt. He’s spent time on the Blackhawks’ second power play this season, which could create an opportunity for Korchinski.
If the Blackhawks move Connor Murphy sooner than later, that would likely mean Sam Rinzel would assume responsibilities on one of the power play units. Del Mastro would be more likely to supplement the Blackhawks’ penalty kill as a recall for Kaiser on the left side of the blue line.
Finding a defenseman who can play with Levshunov will need to be the priority, however. If Del Mastro can do that, he could find more of a role into the Blackhawks’ future as well.
Also Read
Blackhawks Storylines to Watch After the OlympicsHence then, the article about blackhawks kinda update wyatt kaiser s status was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Blackhawks (Kinda) Update Wyatt Kaiser’s Status )
Also on site :