Next Game @ Blue Jackets
Adam Boqvist on being traded from the #Blackhawks to #CBJ â¬‡ï¸ pic.twitter.com/fwPqdiZiwi
— CBJ Coverage (@CBJcoverage) January 11, 2022
There will also be keen interest in Jackets rookie center Cole Sillinger. Not only did he make the NHL after being drafted this past July but he was also reportedly who the Hawks would've selected had they not included their original 1st round pick in the Jones-Boqvist deal.
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Kevin Lankinen
Kevin Lankinen is in Columbus (saw him lugging his bags into Nationwide Arena). Blackhawks coach Derek King says he’s off COVID-19 protocol and good to go, but doesn’t have an ETA on when he’ll be in game shape.
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) January 10, 2022
Once he's healthy to suit up, he will back up Marc-Andre Fleury which would allow Arvid Soderblom to return to Rockford to get regular starts at the AHL level. In turn, Collin Delia could either stay with the IceHogs or switch places with Cale Morris on the taxi squad.
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Lukas Reichel
Tallying 6 points (3-3-6) in 2 games this past weekend, Lukas Reichel has earned AHL Player of the Week honors 🎉 pic.twitter.com/t34ll1SYE8
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) January 10, 2022
Personally, I fall in the latter camp with the caveat that a cup of coffee towards the end of the season isn't out of the question either. That recall could be a reward for Reichel's phenomenal play in Rockford while also seeing if and how that success translates in the NHL.
A look-see should be just long enough to tease fans of things to come next season and beyond but not ruin Reichel's growth curve and spoil a good thing too soon. The cameo can also serve to inform him where he shines in the big show and where he needs to keep refining his game.
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Dominic Basse
And finally, the @TheNCHC Goalie of the Week is Dominic Basse, who turned away 50 shots last weekend and helped the Tigers kill 9 of 10 penalties in the sweep at Miami!#CCTigers pic.twitter.com/IrsBS6Sdyu
— CC Hockey (@CCTigerHKY) January 10, 2022
Drew Commesso is clearly the Blackhawks goalie of the future playing for a strong collegiate program at Boston University and earning Team USA invites and roster spots. Yet, don't count Basse out as someone who could quietly emerge as a viable candidate as an NHL backup in the long run.
While Commesso could sign an ELC as early as this summer -- though, it may be ideal for him to stay one more year in the NCAA -- Basse should play through his senior year then go pro. By that time, Commesso and Basse could be a tandem in Rockford and push each other.
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IceHogs Updates
Postponed Game
GAME POSTPONED & RESCHEDULED: Tomorrow's game vs. @IAWild at the BMO has been postponed & rescheduled for Tues., Feb. 15!
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 10, 2022
All tix for tomorrow's game are valid/will be updated for the new date.
Ticket Info & Details ⬇ï¸: https://t.co/bEGqHakfUu pic.twitter.com/cRSkgGaVxW
Mike Lee
Welcome to the Hogs: Defenseman Mike Lee joins us on a pro-tryout deal! Welcome! https://t.co/4NBExzxiiP pic.twitter.com/I7JVONTdan
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) January 10, 2022
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See you on the boards!