Bryan Bickell will return to the Chicago Blackhawks’ lineup tonight at United Center versus the Blues, marking his first appearance in an NHL game since January.
Bickell was recalled from AHL Rockford yesterday, in the wake of injuries to Marian Hossa, Artem Anisimov, and Andrew Shaw.
It remains to be seen how long Bickell will remain in the lineup. Hossa and Anisimov are expected back in time for the playoffs, if not sooner. But Shaw is doubtful for Saturday’s regular-season finale in Columbus, bringing his postseason availability into question.
At this morning’s skate, Bickell was on a line with Andrew Desjardins and Dale Weise.
Bryan Bickell: "I didn’t want to be a sore thumb. Have a positive attitude and work hard and I’m happy to be back up here."
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) April 7, 2016
Patrick Kane: "We all love Bicks as a guy and I think we’re all hoping that he can recapture the player he was and the player he can be."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 7, 2016
Bickell, 30, had a respectable 15 goals in 44 games for Rockford, but has no goals in 23 games for the ‘Hawks this season.