Has Jeremy Morin’s Huge Olympic “Break”, in Rockford, Earned Him a Call-Up to the Chicago Blackhawks?

Nov 25, 2013; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jeremy Morin (11) skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Morin, the promising young forward, who has been “In Limbo”, as he is regularly called up, to the Chicago Blackhawks, of the NHL, and sent down, to the Rockford IceHogs, of the AHL, just as quickly.

Has his regular drives from Rockford to Chicago, and back to Rockford sparked something?

Morin is currently on a 7-game point streak, while the Blackhawks in the middle of the Olympic break, has he done enough to receive a call-up, when the Hawks return, to finish the NHL season?

Absolutely.

Many felt that Morin deserved to be on the Hawks’ roster, before his recent hot streak, which has seen him contribute 13 points, in the month of February, so far.

Here is Morin’s stat line, in Rockford, this season.

That is remarkable, and could certainly help the Hawks.

It would be foolish for anyone to expect him to put up points, at that same pace, if and when he is called up, to Chicago.  For one, he won’t be playing 1st line minutes, with 1st line scorers, with the Hawks, and therefore, he won’t have as many opportunities or chances to put up those kind of points.  Also, the increase in level of competition, in the NHL compared to the AHL, must be considered, which will also make it more difficult for Morin to put up big points.

Now, Morin is more than capable of being an offensive threat, in the NHL, right now, but it’s best to keep expectations, in check.

Here is Morin’s stat line, with the Hawks, this season.

Not pretty, but the low point production is largely due to Head Coach, Joel Quenneville’s apparent short-leash, that he has given Morin, this season, which has resulted in low ice-time totals(Morin is averaging less then 8 minutes of ice-time, per game, in the NHL, this season) in the 15 games he has played in, this season.

It is very important to note Morin’s Relative Corsi For Percentage.  At a very good 9.0%, which is the best among, ALL current Hawks’ players, this season.  Yes, Morin’s sample size is very small, but what it tells us, is that in his limited ice-time, Jeremy Morin has provided quality play, and quality puck possession.

Morin does more than just produce points, as he has an edge to his game, and isn’t afraid to play in the dirty areas, of the ice.  He isn’t afraid to get physical and with his opponents, which would suit him well, on the 3rd line, which is likely where he would play, on the Hawks’ roster.  Morin should also get looks on the top 2 lines as well, at least as long as Coach Q has his “line blender” working.

Having Morin on the roster makes even more sense, since the Hawks are regularly dressing defenseman, at forward positions, to fill roster spots, and apply no edge or advantage, when playing up front.  Morin would give the Hawks an edge and an advantage.

Of course there are always salary cap considerations, and calling Morin would put the Hawks over the salary cap.  A corresponding move would have to be made, in order for Morin to be on the roster.  What should that corresponding move be?  Well, I could think of a few, but that might be better suited for a whole separate article, so let’s stay on track, here.

Perhaps this all part of Coach Q’s motivation wizardry, but it doesn’t matter.  Jeremy Morin deserves to be, and absolutely should be dressing, at a forward position, for the Chicago Blackhawks, on a nightly basis.