"After the skate, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill provided a somewhat cautious update on Kaiser's status. He said Kaiser will not be available coming out of the break, but the coach does expect Kaiser to play again this season. That's good news. Kaiser, 23, ranks third among Blackhawks defensemen averaging 19:10 per game. He's emerged as a key part of the Blackhawks' exceptional penalty kill, averaging 2:00 per game short-handed."
"One can assume Kaiser will be placed on IR coming out of the break to make room on the NHL roster for a replacement. With Kaiser expected to miss time on the left side of the blue line, the Blackhawks figure to have two primary options to recall from Rockford: Kevin Korchinski and Ethan Del Mastro. Who they recall may be influenced by the NHL trade deadline, which is just 12 days after the NHL returns to game action."
"Veteran Matt Grzelcyk, who is skating on a one-year, $1M deal - and, like Kaiser, is left-handed - could be dealt. If the Blackhawks move Connor Murphy sooner than later, that would likely mean Sam Rinzel would assume responsibilities on one of the power play units. Del Mastro would be more likely to supplement the Blackhawks' penalty kill as a recall for Kaiser on the left side of the blue line."
Wyatt Kaiser suffered a lower-body injury before the Olympic break and will not be available immediately, but he is expected to return this season. Kaiser averages 19:10 per game, ranks third among Blackhawks defensemen in ice time, and plays a key role on the penalty kill. The Blackhawks will likely place Kaiser on IR and recall either Kevin Korchinski or Ethan Del Mastro from Rockford to cover the left side. Recall decisions may be influenced by the NHL trade deadline in 12 days. Matt Grzelcyk could be moved, and finding a partner for Artyom Levshunov remains a priority.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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