Chicago Blackhawks: The Kids Could Be Around for the Long Haul

The Chicago Blackhawks have several recent call-ups in the lineup right now. Despite having a lot of experience sitting out, it looks as if the 'Hawks will be going with youth on the roster as the regular season winds down.

Rookies Andrew Shaw, Jimmy Hayes, Brandon Bollig and Dylan Olsen have all been on Joel Quenneville's lineup in the past several games. It remains to be seen if they will have an impact on Chicago's fortunes for the rest of the season, but it's starting to look like most of the new faces will be around through the end.

The Rockford Ice Hogs of the AHL released their Clear Day roster yesterday morning in accordance with the league's rules. Each AHL team is required to announce a 22-player roster of players deemed eligible to play in the remainder of the regular season and the AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs.

Noticeable in their absence from Rockford's list are Shaw, Hayes and Olsen.

It's true that the AHL allows for emergencies caused by recall, injury or suspension. Also a likely fact is the notion that Rockford has little chance of qualifying for the playoffs. However, it appears that the Blackhawks don't plan on sending these players back west on I-90 for a while.

Shaw has been a fixture lately on the checking line in place of the struggling Michael Frolik. Olsen's minutes have been scaled back with the arrival of Johnny Oduya, but he has been playing steady third-pairing minutes. Hayes has had limited minutes on the fourth line.

Bollig, like Hayes, is getting single-digit ice time with Jamal Mayers. Bollig was impressive in dropping the gloves with Ryan Reeves early in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Blues. Bolling, playing in front of friends and family in his home state, went about his business in typical fashion.

Turning in an extended workout with the St. Louis slugger, Bollig fought with a big smile on his face (as is his style) and came out with a decision. Bollig's done his job in his four games with the team. He seems destined for an eventual return to Rockford, but the jury is still out on Chicago's need for muscle down the stretch.

Frolik and Brendan Morrison have been sitting in the press box consistently. With Jonathan Toews, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Steve Montador all out with injuries, the talent pool in Rockford has helped keep the team afloat in the Western Conference.

With expanded rosters and plenty of cap space to accommodate the rookie salaries, it is a good bet that several of the kids will still be with the team as the season concludes, whenever that may be.