The Chicago Blackhawks sent defenseman Wyatt Kaiser to the Rockford IceHogs on Monday. The 21-year-old performed well in his most recent NHL stay, but he’ll return to the AHL as the Calder Cup Playoffs approach and veteran defenseman Connor Murphy prepares to return.
Kaiser began the season with the Blackhawks, but was demoted to Rockford in December. The Minnesota native scored 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 31 games with the IceHogs before returning to the Blackhawks in mid-March.
Since returning to Chicago, Kaiser’s game has appeared considerably more calm. He has seven assists in 32 NHL games this season, three of which came during a recent nine-game run. Now, he’ll join the IceHogs as they prepare for the playoffs.
Murphy has not played since Jan. 13, when he was placed on injured reserve due to a groin ailment. As months passed without an update, it appeared Murphy might not return this season.
He did, however, return to practice last week and stated that he hopes to play in the Blackhawks’ last five games. Murphy appears to be on schedule to return Wednesday, when the Blackhawks play the St. Louis Blues.
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