Chicago Blackhawks: Importing Marcus Kruger May Be a Roll of the Dice

The Chicago Blackhawks may be sending a message on to the condition of two of their top six forwards with the news that the team is bringing prospect Marcus Kruger across the Atlantic and into a Blackhawks uniform.

Is this a desperate move aimed at keeping the team afloat despite the possibility of being without Dave Bolland and Patrick Sharp for the remainder of the season?  The timing of the move would seem to suggest it.

Several Swedish media outlets (tip of the cap to Chris Block at The Third Man In) have reported that Kruger, Chicago's top prospect at center, could be on the ice for the Blackhawks as soon as Wednesday night's game with Florida. 

Kruger was suddenly available when Djurgarden Elitserien, his squad in the Swedish Elite League, was eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday.

Kruger played in 52 games this season with six goals and 29 assists.  His plus-12 rating was tops on his squad.  He's 20 years old and was the 'Hawks fifth-round pick in 2009.  His name has been tossed around as a possible second-line center next season. 

But why now?

If the reports are accurate, Kruger likely isn't rushing over to North America to help out the Rockford Ice Hogs.

Much as in the case of Nick Leddy, whom the Blackhawks expected to skate at least a year in the AHL before being pressed into service, this move is being made because management has to feel that this addition is necessary.

This likely means that the 'Hawks believe that one or both of their injured forwards will miss the rest of the regular season and possibly the playoffs.

Cap and roster moves aside, it would seem that Chicago could use Kruger for several reasons.

If Sharp is out, Kruger could play forward.  If Bolland or both players are out, he could play second-line center so that Michael Frolik could take a wing spot in Sharp's absence. 

Kruger is a tough, two-way player in the Bolland mold, according to reports, and could see action on any of the lines.

The potential for this move begs other questions: Will Ben Smith or another player be called up as well?  Can another young Swedish player learn the NHL game on the fly (as Viktor Stalberg is still doing) and contribute in a crucial stretch of the season?

I think that expecting a 20-year-old to come in and be an instant answer at center is pretty wishful thinking.  Unfortunately, this may be the only card GM Stan Bowman feels he can play at this point.

If the Blackhawks make an announcement concerning Kruger, expect word on Sharp and/or Bolland to follow shortly.  If Kruger is set to make his NHL debut, the 'Hawks are in full-on desperation mode.