Blackhawks Odds-makers- Who’s Getting the Call In Rockford To Replace Patrick Sharp?

May 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Joakim Nordstrom (42) with the puck during the third period of game one of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center. Chicago won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Blackhawks finally break out offensively and Patrick Sharp gets injured and is out a bit probably close to a month, but there will be nothing “official” until practice today. The question is do the Hawks think he will be out 10 games or more during that time span and will Sharp be put L.T.I.R. which would free up the salary cap crunch the Blackhawks are in right now. Either way someone from Rockford is needed to play forward with both Sharp and Daniel Carcillo injures so let’s look at the possible call ups

The Top Contenders

1. Joakim Nordstrom– Cap Hit $616,000

Nordstrom could get called up with or without a long term I.R. stint by Patrick Sharp with the Hawks having 700,000 dollars of cap room available. Norstrom is playing great in Rockford and recently was named the Captain of the Ice Hogs. Nordstrom has 3 goals and 3 assists with a +2 in the early going for the Hogs. Nordstrom was a Joel Quenneville favorite last season for his versatility and played during the Stanley Cup playoffs last season so he looks to be the #1 contender for a call up today or tomorrow. Oddsmaker- 3/2

2. Peter Regin Cap Hit $650,000

You have to hand it to Regin he took the demotion to Rockford and didn’t sulk. He’s really been the best player for the Hogs this season including scoring the tying and winning goals the other night in the Hogs 5-4 win from a 4-1 deficit. The major sticking point for Regin is that he would have to clear waivers if the Hawks decided they needed to send him back down to Rockford after everyone gets healthy. Regin like Nordstrom played last year in the playoffs and would fit in seamlessly with the current Hawks roster. Oddsmaker- 4/1

The Fan Favorite

1. Teuvo Teravainen– Cap Hit-$894,167

Teuvo is still adjusting to the North American game and was quoted by ESPN Chicago Scott Powers as to hating the dump and chase aspect of the game over here. That being said of all the players in Rockford he has the highest skill set and highest ceiling and the one player we all want to see wearing a Blackhawks jersey. Teuvo has scored once with 6 assists but has nailed the post several times and his passing has everyone in awe in Rockford. Teuvo is the who we all want to see heading to Chicago, but I just don’t see the Hawks calling him up right now. Oddsmaker-5/1

The Dark Horse

1. Mark McNeill- Cap Hit-$863,333

McNeill is a former #1 draft pick by the Blackhawks and his game has improved each season and since the Blackhawks rookie camp this fall he’s been great. This season in Rockford he leads the team in goals scored with 5 and is tied with Regin with the team lead in point with 10. McNeill has the versatility of playing center and wing which could be a selling point for the Hawks to make that call, but everything looks to be pointing at a 2015-2016 appearance in Chicago for McNeill. Oddsmaker- 15/1