Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville will see a familiar face on the ice tonight at United Center. His second cousin, John, is expected to make his NHL debut for the visiting New Jersey Devils.
John Quenneville has been tearing it up in the AHL. The 20-year-old forward has seven goals and 10 assists in 20 games for Albany. He’s tied with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s Jake Guentzel (currently up with Pittsburgh) for the points lead among AHL rookies.
The Devils are also expected to get Taylor Hall back tonight. Hall was back practicing with his teammates earlier this week. He’ll end up missing just eight games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
The Devils have added forward Beau Bennett (lacerated leg) to injured reserve, clearing a roster spot for Quenneville.
Quenneville was drafted 30th overall in 2014. He then spent two additional years in the WHL with the Brandon Wheat Kings before beginning his pro career this season.
So Devils will have four rookie Fs in the lineup tonight - Quenneville, Lappin, Zacha, Wood. And D Yohann Auvitu an NHL rookie, too.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) December 1, 2016
The Blackhawks will be without their captain, Jonathan Toews, for a fourth straight game.