Chicago Blackhawks: Jeremy Morin Finally Takes the Ice

Jeremy Morin isn't on an NHL roster this fall, but he may just be the happiest player in the world this weekend.

The 20-year-old made his return to game action in Abbotsford Friday night with the AHL's Rockford Ice Hogs. Morin, who spent nine games with Chicago last season, had not played in any kind of contact hockey in over nine months—since sustaining a concussion January 15th.

Morin had apparently been cleared to play before Sunday's Ice Hogs game in Peoria, but the organization chose to give him the extra time to get his game legs underneath him..

When you've been out of commission for nearly a year, what's another week?

Morin made the most of his return to action, scoring a first-period goal despite Rockford dropping a 4-3 decision to the Heat. The 'Hawks prospect worked through traffic to set up a five-holing of goalie Leland Irving.

The second-round pick of the Thrashers/Jets organization in 2009, Morin was the big piece obtained for Dustin Byfuglien, Brett Sopel and Ben Eager. Morin had a goal and two assists in his time with the Blackhawks, and he looked to be on the way to a spot on the team this season.

The concussion, which came when Morin landed on his head after being hip checked in a game against the Chicago Wolves, has been a setback. Ben Smith and other prospects have seen time with the 'Hawks that may have gone to a healthy Morin.

It's great to see a young forward like Morin back on the ice. Think about how tough it is to wait for the next 'Hawks game Saturday night against the Bruins. Morin has been off the ice longer than at any stretch of his hockey career.

Morin had to sit back and watch players battle for a spot that could have been his if he could have competed for it. Coming over the boards for the first time Friday night must have been sweet for him.

Morin is back in action, and he needs to get back to making the improvements in his game that will earn him an opportunity in Chicago in the future. Can he get back to the aggressive style of play that compliments his nose for the net and quick release?

You can bet that Morin is committed to answering that question in the next few weeks, starting with Sunday's rematch in Abbotsford. Morin will get the chance to visit the Wolves at the All-State Arena when Rockford visits Chicago next weekend. Here's hoping a promising player can pick up his career where it left off those many months ago.