Chicago Blackhawks: Cam Ward Injured, Collin Delia Recalled on Emergency Basis

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Collin Delia was recalled on an emergency basis in place of an injured Cam Ward. Here’s a deeper look into the injury, the timetable for return and Delia’s potential role.

It’s always nice when a slow Chicago Blackhawks news day brings up something to write about, but it’s never nice when it’s related to an injury.

Fortunately for the Chicago Blackhawks, veteran goalie Cam Ward doesn’t look to be sidelined for too long. Here’s a release from the Chicago Blackhawks official website:

"“Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry today released the following medical update:Goaltender Cam Ward will be out of all hockey activity for approximately 7-10 days (right knee).”"

They always go above and beyond in detail, don’t they?

Jokes aside, it’s good to hear Ward’s injury doesn’t sound serious. NBC Sports Chicago‘s Charlie Roumeliotis has a theory on when Ward’s injury occurred. The video provides what appears to be solidifying evidence.

It’s certainly an uncomfortable play. When he makes the kick-save effort you can see it momentarily buckle. After a whistle you can see Ward trying to shake off the apparent injury.

Ward was looked down upon after the Chicago Blackhawks signed him this offseason, but he’s largely silenced the critics. His numbers aren’t overly impressive — he’s 14-11-4 with a .893 SV% and a 3.72 GAA — but he’s given everything to this ‘Hawks team in Corey Crawford‘s absence.

The poor Chicago Blackhawks defense has forced him to deal with work loads far too large for him, yet he’s battled every single night.

It’s worth mentioning that on a team is horrible defensively, has losing record, is 8 points out of a playoff spot and carries a -30 goal differential, Ward somehow has a winning record. His time with the Chicago Blackhawks won’t likely be remembered much in the future but it deserves to be appreciated in the present.

Enter Collin Delia.

Because of Ward’s injury, Collin Delia was recalled today on an emergency basis. Here’s a release from the Chicago Blackhawks’ website:

"“The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have recalled goaltender Collin Delia (DEE-lee-ah) on an emergency basis from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.Delia has split time with the Blackhawks and IceHogs this season. In 15 appearances with Chicago during his rookie season, he is 6-4-3 with a 3.48 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. The 24-year-old agreed to terms on a three-year extension with the Blackhawks on Feb. 11. In 19 appearances with Rockford during the 2018-19 season, Delia is 8-6-4 with a .929 SV% and 2.36 GAA.”"

It’s hard to understate just how horrible the Chicago Blackhawks have been on defense this season. As a result, I wouldn’t look too much into Delia’s numbers. He was outstanding upon making his debut this season and came back to earth just as Corey Crawford returned to the ‘Hawks.

It’s unclear whether or not Delia will get much playing time in Ward’s absence as the Blackhawks have a well spaced schedule over the next 10 days. Regardless, any NHL playing time a this point will be good for his development.

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Additionally, Delia will get to spend the next week serving as a backup to Corey Crawford. Crawford has experienced success that few other current NHL goaltenders have. Furthermore, he’s overcome adversity like few of them have, too.

As a result, Delia could gain some valuable guidance and experience while observing Crawford over the next week or os.