Tanner Kero
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) December 19, 2021
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Brett Connolly
Chicago’s Brett Connolly has been suspended for four games for Interference on Dallas’ Tanner Kero. https://t.co/6g23ix1zDh
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 20, 2021
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Roster Updates
Hogs on the Move: The #Blackhawks have reassigned D Ian Mitchell and FW Josiah Slavin to the IceHogshttps://t.co/INTjr12ZHI pic.twitter.com/3k8czakhsJ
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) December 20, 2021
de Haan - S Jones McCabe - Murphy Stillman - C Jones
Reserve: Gustafsson
Kalynuk - Mitchell Beaudin - Galvas Phillips - Regula
Reserve: Stanton
While the popular decision may be to recall Josiah Slavin after Tuesday's Hogs game, it may be better for his long-term growth to play in Rockford's top 6 and on both special teams. His NHL stint so far has been positive yet he isn't immune to mistakes or a curve either.
However, even if Henrik Borgstrom is at full strength as early as this week, the Hawks may need to recall Slavin at least for a few games as the Hawks await Khaira and Connolly to regain eligibility. Having Khaira or Connolly in the lineup would also keep Kurtis Gabriel scratched.
DeBrincat - Strome - Kane Hagel - Toews - Borgstrom Kubalik - Dach - Kurashev Khaira - Carpenter - Entwistle
Reserves: Gabriel, Connolly
There would be flexibility with the top 9. Alex DeBrincat, Brandon Hagel, and Dominik Kubalik are the LWs. Patrick Kane is the 1st line RW. From there are many permutations of who the other RWs are and who line up down the middle. The 4th line has relatively more stability.
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NHL Updates
Hearing NHL/NHLPA considering stoppage of cross-border travel for NHL games prior to Christmas.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 19, 2021
Link of NHL/NHLPA joint statements. Unfortunately, Olympics without NHL players appears to be reality, although formal announcement not for a few days https://t.co/WnIzedTtzN
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 19, 2021
I don't begrudge players from desiring to represent their native countries, though. The Olympics is one of the pinnacles of sports competition and I would imagine a vast majority of athletes would give anything to have that rare opportunity to play on the world's biggest stage.
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See you on the boards!