The Blackhawks introduced Tuesday that they’ve recalled goaltender Drew Commesso from AHL Rockford. Arvid Söderblom is the projected starter Tuesday in opposition to the Geese, Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio 720 relays, indicating that Petr Mrázek seemingly isn’t out there for a yet-to-be-disclosed cause.
Commesso, 22, has already been recalled as soon as this season. He got here as much as the NHL roster for a couple of days in late October whereas Söderblom was coping with an sickness, however Mrazék began a set of back-to-back video games in opposition to the Predators and Stars whereas Commesso remained on the bench because the backup.
A 2020 second-round decide, Commesso has been a contender for Chicago’s “goalie of the longer term” moniker for a couple of years. The 6-foot-2 netminder isn’t off to a promising begin in Rockford this season, although, posting a 3.71 GAA, .854 SV%, and a 2-4-0 report in six appearances. He’s seemingly earned some grace after a spectacular run of play at Boston College and a good .906 SV% in 38 video games for Rockford final yr, however being outperformed by the AHL-contracted Mitchell Weeks to this point this season is undoubtedly a trigger for concern.
Nonetheless, Commesso will get what’s seemingly a short-term summons to alleviate Mrázek because the Blackhawks’ solely out there recall possibility. Chicago entered the season with solely 4 goalies beneath contract, together with veteran UFA signing Laurent Brossoit, who’s been on injured reserve because the starting of the yr whereas recovering from meniscus surgical procedure.
Brossoit’s missed round a month greater than anticipated, leaving the Blackhawks in a pinch. They’ve seven contract slots remaining, although, and will simply signal Weeks to an NHL deal if obligatory to provide themselves an alternative choice so as to add to the roster.
Nonetheless, goaltending hasn’t been a problem for the Blackhawks this season. Mrázek has floated round final yr’s numbers with a .906 SV% and a pair of.79 GAA, together with some improved group protection, whereas the 25-year-old Söderblom has taken leaps and bounds ahead in his growth with a glowing .934 SV% and a pair of.22 GAA in 5 appearances. Regardless of that stellar play, Chicago has only a 1-3-1 report with him between the pipes.
