Blackhawks' van Riemsdyk Cleared But Won't Play Game 4
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- With their defensive depth being tested, the Blackhawks could receive a big boost on the blue line.
Rookie defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk was recalled from AHL Rockford on Friday and has been cleared to play, six weeks after surgery to repair a right wrist injury and two weeks ahead of the projected schedule. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said the 23-year-old van Riemsdyk wouldn't play in Game 4 against the Ducks on Saturday, but he could play at some point during this Western Conference Final.
"He's been ready," Quenneville said. "He's cleared to participate. He was out there doing one-on-one drills. We'll see how he is."
Van Riemdsyk played in just 18 games during his rookie campaign, recording one assist. The undrafted free agent was a surprise addition out of training camp but earned his way into the lineup with steady play. He played a fifth/sixth defenseman role when he was healthy.
However, the regular season of van Riemsdyk ended on Nov. 16 when he suffered a fractured knee cap. He was readying for an April return with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs when he suffered the wrist injury.
Now, van Riemsdyk is back in a Blackhawks sweater. Could that return be coming soon?
"We'll see," van Riemsdyk said. "I haven't looked too far down the road here. It's kind of step by step. It's good to be back on the premises here, being around, skating out there. It was fun, and I'm going to take it day by day and go from there."
If van Riemsdyk works well in the ongoing practice evaluations, it's possible that he could make his playoff debut in this series.
"He'll need a few days out here," said Quenneville, "and we'll see get an evaluation and go from there."
Game 4 with the Ducks is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday at the United Center, with the Blackhawks trailing the series 2-1. Quenneville said lineup changes could be possible as Chicago looks to even the series.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.