NHL: Chicago Blackhawks Prime the Rockford Pipeline in Response To Key Losses

When the Chicago Blackhawks are in need of a fill-in for a game or two, they look West on I-90 to the AHL's Rockford Ice Hogs.  Fans can head to the Rockford Metro Centre to see tomorrow's stars today.

Right now, those players may be donning Indian sweaters sooner than you think.

The Chicago Blackhawks are currently without the services of Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, and Fernando Pisani.  Without the cap space to pull of the big deal to solidify the roster, the Rockford pipeline is likely the way Chicago will go in finding players to help out during this recent spate of injuries.

Several players have been up with the club for a game or two already this season to fill in for an injured Blackhawk.  Here's a look at some of the talent that could be tapped, whether it happens now (expect at least one call up Wednesday before the Hawks host Dallas) or later in the season.

Forwards

Here are some guys that might get at least a temporary call.

Ryan Potulny: Tallied 32 points for the Oilers last season and currently has six goals and seven assists in Rockford.  Has played two games with the Blackhawks in 2010-11.

I'd like to see him up because he could play center or wing and can score at the NHL level.  He has pretty good hands and could help replace a part of the scoring we lose with Kane and Hossa out.  His salary is cap-friendly as well.

Jeremy Morin: Along with Potulny, leads Rockford in goals scored.  We've gotten a taste of what this 19 year-old can do.  He has shown that he can bang around with NHL players and hasn't been afraid to scrap.  Anyone who saw him in the preseason knows he has a chance to be a big scorer down the line.

He's been up twice this year and should be up again Wednesday.  The Hawks sent him down Monday to save a few bucks, which is also why I think he'll be sent down again.  Chicago may want to gain a year on his rookie contract, much like the situation with team mate Nick Leddy.  On the other hand, his upside and an extended injury to a top-six guy may force the Hawks to keep him on the roster.

Ben Smith: The Hawks signed their 2008 sixth round pick from Boston College last spring. The 2010 Frozen Four MVP has played in three games with Chicago this year.

He's a steady player and may have an NHL future.  I don't think he'll add a lot of scoring pop right now.

Kyle Beach: Think of a raw, more undisciplined version of Dustin Byfuglien and you have Beach.  He's a big guy with an itch to agitate the opposition.  He can score, has good hands, and will use those hands without the gloves.  He will go to the net and be physical.

However, Beach is still learning to play under control in Rockford.  He leads the team with 64 penalty minutes and makes a lot of hot-headed mistakes.  The last thing we need are more dumb penalties (see Tomas Kopecky, Nick Boynton).  Plus his cap numbers aren't as easy to absorb.

Rob Klinkhammer: Not one of Chicago's highly touted prospects, but he's got good size, will crash the net, is a good teammate, and would fit well cap-wise.  If you're thinking "There's no way I want that crazy Kyle Beach on United Center ice," consider Klinkhammer.  He's a calmer, less volatile version of Beach.

He's never going to be a star in this league like Beach eventually could be, but he could provide minutes and fit in well in the locker room with other Rockford guys like Jake Dowell, Brian Bickell, and Jack Skille now up with the Hawks.

Jeff Taffe: Is a guy who has a lot of NHL experience and is the team's second leading scorer at forward with 13 points.  Bigger guy who will play physical.  Has been a big AHL goal-scorer at times in his career, but has never really shown that side of his game in the NHL.

He's averaged nearly a point a game in his last two AHL campaigns, but managed only one goal in 21 games with Florida last season.

Igor Makarov: Hasn't scored for Rockford like I thought he would, but he offers speed and puck handling skill.  He's getting his first taste of North American hockey in Rockford, where he has just two goals so far, but nine points on the season.

Brandon Pirri: Was up with the team early in the season.  Played all right, but I'd like to see him get a bit stronger in Rockford.  He currently has nine points with the Ice Hogs.

Defense

The Blackhawks have some choices on defense in case they go a man down, depending on what type of player is needed.

Brian Connelly: Size issues come up often with Connelly (5'10'', 167), but the 24 year-old leads the Ice Hogs with 16 points this season.

Connelly moves the puck quite well and could rack up a lot of assists with the Blackhawks.  He has to prove he can take on bigger NHL forwards, but can't do that until he gets a call up. 

Nick Leddy: Showed all kinds of potential in his stint with in Chicago to open the season.  As with Morin, I think the Hawks are more concerned with keeping him in the minors and getting that extra year on his rookie deal.

I think Leddy has passed fellow defenseman Shawn Lalonde on the fast track to Chicago.  I would expect Leddy to be in a Blackhawks uniform more often next season.

Garnet Exelby:  Chicago signed the veteran to a try-out contract in the preseason, cleared him through waivers, and signed him for the season.  He's been with Rockford all season, where he is the captain of the Ice Hogs. 

Exelby has NHL experience and can be a tough defender.  He is a similar player to Boynton.  He won't provide any offense, but will play physical defense.

Goalie

Hopefully no one gets hurt in goal for the Hawks.

Alec Richards: The Ivy-Leaguer (Yale) is improving, but still is a year or two away from being ready for the NHL.  His save percentage is up to .908, but he is real streaky and doesn't handle the high shot well.

He reminds me of Corey Crawford at that age (23).  Be patient, give him time, don't expect any contributions with the Hawks for awhile.

Most of these guys will be up for no more that a cameo appearance for the Blackhawks this season, if at all.  Chicago likes to reward guys in Rockford with call ups, and to me these are the players that might be able to fit a need from one night to another.

I think Morin and Potulny will be up for the Stars game, then who knows?  Don't be surprised to check the lineup one night and see one of these names looking to make his mark with the Blackhawks.