As a part of the NHL trade deadline, players that are to be eligible to play for their NHL and AHL clubs, they must be on the AHL roster at the time of the deadline, which was 2pm CT on Monday afternoon. For the Chicago Blackhawks, Collin Delia and Dylan Sikura were sent to the Rockford IceHogs and are eligible to move between the clubs for the rest of the season. Additionally, the Blackhawks activated goaltender Corey Crawford off injured reserve while making no trades on deadline day.
Corey Crawford Activated Off IR
As the NHL trade deadline ticked down on Monday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that goaltender Corey Crawford would be activated off of the injured reserve list. Crawford has been dealing with a concussion/concussion symptoms since December but reports over the last few days pointed towards his return being sooner rather than later.
On NHL trade deadline day, the Blackhawks made no moves besides activating Crawford and assigning goaltender Collin Delia to the Rockford IceHogs.
Before going down with his injury this season, Crawford held a 6-14-2 record with a 3.28 GAA and a 0.902 save-percentage.
Blackhawks Make Pair Of Players Eligible For AHL Roster
As a part of the NHL trade deadline day, players who are to be eligible for AHL rosters beyond February 25 needed to be on the AHL roster by the 2pm CT deadline time. For the Blackhawks, two players were made available to the IceHogs with Collin Delia and Dylan Sikura being placed on the IceHogs roster. Additionally, newly acquired forward Spencer Watson, acquired in the deal for Matheson Iacopelli, was also on the AHL roster at deadline time.
Collin Delia makes a save against the San Antonio Rampage. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)
With the Blackhawks this season, Delia made it known that he was ready to take the next step in his career and become an NHL-caliber goaltender. In his 15 appearances with Chicago, Delia had a 6-4-3 record with a 3.48 GAA and a team-leading 0.908 save-percentage. While the GAA is high, take it with a grain of salt as the Blackhawks have given up the most goals in the NHL this season.
Delia returns to the AHL with the IceHogs sitting in fourth-place in the AHL Central Division, three points clear of a Calder Cup Playoff spot. His 2.34 GAA and 0.933 save-percentage in the AHL this season lead the IceHogs in both categories and ranks fifth and first among goalies to play at least 15 AHL games this season.
Rockford IceHogs forward Dylan Sikura fires a shot against the Grand Rapids Griffins. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)
For Dylan Sikura, his transaction was a paper transaction as he was recalled back to Chicago once the 2pm CT trade deadline passed. Sikura with the Blackhawks this season has skated in 18 games and has tallied six assists. In his 40 games with the IceHogs this season, Sikura has 30 points. Both players are eligible for any potential Calder Cup Playoff run for Rockford.
What’s Next?
For the Rockford IceHogs, they return to action on Tuesday night on the road against the Chicago Wolves. Rockford closes a four-game road trip against Chicago, having gone 1-1-1 in the previous three games on the trip. Puck drop is set for 7pm CT at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. Rockford holds a 5-3-1 record against Chicago this season.
For the Chicago Blackhawks, they return to the ice on Wednesday night as they begin a three-game California road trip. On Wednesday, the Blackhawks take on the Anaheim Ducks for a 9pm CT puck drop at the Honda Center in Anaheim. The Ducks and Blackhawks have split the first two meetings between the teams this season.