Tuesday's game vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets has been postponed for COVID-related reasons.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 27, 2021
Blackhawks are unaffected by this, but almost every other team is: https://t.co/t9aXf9PqWN
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) December 24, 2021
Obviously, there will be constant recalibration of the Hawks schedule as they have several previously canceled games to make up in addition to Tuesday's game. The return of taxi squads and a new roster element for emergencies are in place to theoretically reduce future cancelations.
However, as Pierre LeBrun from TSN stated, rescheduling will be tough given arenas are shared venues that rely heavily on revenue from other sources like NBA teams, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. NHL schedules may become more fast and furious in order to end the season on time.
And it's not just about re-scheduling postponed games in that three-week period but also moving other games around from teams that actually were not affected yet by cancellations so that those teams have games to play as well during that February period. 2/2
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 22, 2021
Taxi Squad Revisited
The NHL has temporarily reintroduced the Taxi Squad system between today and the All-Star break.
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) December 26, 2021
Attached are some of the important rules that we have been made aware of so far. pic.twitter.com/TQ4LoycY36
Previous Version
* Collin Delia (G) * Brett Connolly (W) * Kurtis Gabriel (W) * Reese Johnson (C/W) * Tyler Johnson (C/W) * Alex Nylander (W) * Erik Gustafsson (D)
One note from the previous version is that MacKenzie Entwistle (C/W), Mike Hardman (W), and Josiah Slavin (C/W) are possibilities for the taxi squad but they're better off getting regular minutes. If they're going to sit for extended periods, may as well have them start in Rockford instead.
It should also be noted that both R Johnson (broken clavicle) and T Johnson (neck surgery) are still out for at least a month and two months, respectively, so they wouldn't be available until February and March at the earliest. Connolly needs to finish serving his 4-game suspension as well.
Revised Version
If reading the parameters correctly, the players listed in the previous version are still eligible for the taxi squad since each of them doesn't meet at least one of the requirements for ineligibility. But let's have the decision makers in the Blackhawks front office sort out who's in and who's out.
In terms of other players who could be in consideration, there are Ian Mitchell and Wyatt Kalynuk plus possibly Nicolas Beaudin and Jakub Galvas on the blueline. Up front are Andrei Altybarmakian, Evan Barratt, and Lukas Reichel. It's arguable, though, that Reichel is worth preserving in Rockford.
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IceHogs Updates
GAME POSTPONED: Due to AHL COVID-19 protocols, tonight's @goicehogs game at @IAWild has been postponedhttps://t.co/s0Q8X0HKoo pic.twitter.com/AzaJWWWj27
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) December 27, 2021
Hogs on the Move: We have recalled forward Chad Yetman, defenseman Jake LeGuerrier and goalie Cale Morris from the @IndyFuelhttps://t.co/1vt3h3xtLl pic.twitter.com/5BmeQbR9Cv
— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) December 26, 2021
For example, as a forward, Chad Yetman may be taking a spot as Nylander and/or Hardman head to the taxi squad. As a D-man, Jacob LeGuerrier may be taking a spot as Mitchell and/or Kalynuk spend time with the Hawks. And goalie Cale Morris may be taking Delia's spot to back up Arvid Soderblom.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 #AHLAllStar Classic, scheduled for Feb. 6-7 in Laval, will not be held.
— AHL Communications (@AHLPR) December 22, 2021
En raison de la pandémie de COVID-19, la Classique des étoiles 2022, prévue à Laval les 6 et 7 février, ne pourra avoir lieu.
📝: https://t.co/rrIhElqPT2 pic.twitter.com/FjnjYo3YfA
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World Junior Championships
Leaman on Drew Commesso (CHI): He's definitely our No. 1. He'll start the opening game against Slovakia.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) December 23, 2021
Jake Sanderson (OTT) on Drew Commesso (CHI): "He won us the game. He's the backbone of this team."
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) December 27, 2021
A flurry of saves pic.twitter.com/Be79LB7fim
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2021
An easy gift for team USA as they go up 3-0 pic.twitter.com/pJynADLGVc
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2021
Comesso and Kaiser have been good for @usahockey . Kaiser is smooth and I like that he plays quick but not in a hurry and Comesso has made a some good stops this period when Slovakia pushed a bit. #Blackhawks
— Colby Cohen (@ColbyCohen36) December 27, 2021
Head Coach Candidates
Looks like the U.S. is settled in now. Attacking relentlessly and contesting every puck. This is the style Nate Leaman has been preaching. They're not as skilled as some teams, but they can skate. No easy exits for Slovakia, nothing easy in the NZ. Barely touching defensive zone.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) December 27, 2021
However, the salty taste of the failed Jeremy Colliton experiment is still very raw so Part II isn't exactly appealing. If anything, a coach with Leaman's mindset may be worth pursuing to be at the helm in Rockford developing Chicago's prospects or be an assistant coach for the varsity club.
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See you on the boards!