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Possible Reasons for the Blackhawks Recent Roster Moves

By Jeremiah Lee |
Collin Delia #60, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Collin Delia #60, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
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Collin Delia #60, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Collin Delia #60, Chicago Blackhawks Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /

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?

Nicolas Beaudin #74, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Nicolas Beaudin #74, Chicago Blackhawks (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Development for both Nicolas Beaudin and Reese Johnson, and ice-time for Collin Delia

I think this is the reason for the Blackhawks’ roster moves. As the Chicago Blackhawks look to have their roster set for the time being, they want Beaudin and Johnson to get some ice-time in the minors. The IceHogs are also struggling in the lineup, so the Blackhawks probably decided that they needed help, and sent their best guys who have been riding the bench the last few games.

Sending Nicolas Beaudin to the minors looks to be the best move for the Blackhawks AT THE MOMENT. Unfortunately, he has not been playing that much in the NHL despite displaying that he does belong in the league. In order for him to continue his development, the front office seemed to have decided that he needed to be active in a top-two defensemen role. I personally do not agree with this move, but I’m not the GM.

Reese Johnson is the same way. With a few roster spots about to open up at the end of the season, the Blackhawks want their promising youngsters who proved they can play in the NHL to stay active, and the only way to do so would be in the minors. Again, I don’t agree with this.

As for Collin Delia, I suppose the IceHogs wanted a better goaltender, and the Chicago Blackhawks made the obvious choice to send Delia to help them on a conditioning stint. Now he will be able to get some practice and playing time considering he hasn’t played since January.

Delia, though possessing some potential, did not impress with his ice-time while Kevin Lankinen and Malcolm Subban have been eye-catching. This is still a puzzling move, but not as much as the other two.

To conclude, I don’t agree with these moves, but the Blackhawks want them to stay active, and the only way to do this is by sending them to the AHL. Beaudin will continue his top-defensemen role for the IceHogs while Johnson will continue his hard-nosed ways in the top-nine. Delia could polish up his skills as well. I am looking forward to seeing what Brad Morrison could do, but it’s a stretch to think that he will make his debut in a mostly-healthy ‘Hawks lineup.

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