Possible Reasons for the Blackhawks Recent Roster Moves

The Chicago Blackhawks made a questionable move in sending Nicolas Beaudin, Reese Johnson, and Collin Delia down to the AHL.

So, after Reese Johnson proved to be a quality depth forward and Nicolas Beaudin displayed that he was, arguably one of the Blackhawks’ best defensemen, the Chicago Blackhawks decided that they should send them back to the Rockford Icehogs.

The three players the Chicago Blackhawks called up to the taxi squad were:

Brad Morrison

• Center
• 24 yrs old
• 4 AHL games: 3 goals, 1 assist, 5 +/-  (on the ice for 5 more goals than scored against)
• What the scouts say about him: A fast player with a high to medium work ethic, will fight for the puck, possesses a high offensive upside, able to capitalize on chances he creates with his puck handling ability.
• Reaction: He looks to be the only player called up to debut for the team, and could potentially become another breakout rookie for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Mikael Hakkarainen

• Center
• 23 yrs old
• 5 AHL games, 0 points, 0 +/-
• What the scouts say about him: Nothing I could find
• Reaction: Only called up to make space in the AHL roster. He won’t make his debut any time soon.

Matt Tomkins

• Goaltender
• 26 yrs old
• 5 AHL games, 4.08 GAA, 0.881 SV% – 0-4-1
• What the scouts say about him: Nothing I could find.
• Reaction: He won’t play in the NHL. Ever.

Looking at these stats, Brad Morrison looks to be the only player who could be slotted into the lineup, and, maybe, prove to be yet another breakout rookie for the team. The other two were called up in order to open the roster spots on the IceHogs. Hakkarainen will enjoy their NHL joyride while never seeing the ice, while Brad Morrison COULD make his NHL debut. His AHL stats show some promising on a lacking IceHogs team.

Now, why did the Blackhawks make these moves?