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Blackhawks' Henri Jokiharju: Returned to AHL affiliate

Chicago clearly doesn't think Jokiharju is ready for a regular NHL role, as he only logged 9:14 of ice time during Friday's 5-3 loss to the Avalanche after being recalled on an emergency basis, so he'll remain in the minors for the foreseeable future. He may be recalled towards the end of the campaign if the Blackhawks are able to sneak into the playoffs, but he won't have any fantasy value down the stretch.

Blackhawks' Henri Jokiharju: Recalled by big club

Jokiharju was sent to the minors in late January when it appeared as though Chicago had no chance of making the playoffs. However, the Blackhawks are now just a single point out of the Western Conference's second wild-card spot, and they're in desperate need of help on the back end, allowing 3.70 goals per game this campaign -- 30th in the NHL. Brent Seabrook is currently sidelined with an abdominal injury and Carl Dahlstrom is dealing with an illness, so Jokiharju could draw into the lineup immediately against the Avalanche on Friday.

Blackhawks' Henri Jokiharju: Sent down to minors

Jokiharju was a healthy scratch in three of the Hawks' previous eight games and only averaged 14:24 of ice time when he was in the lineup. The Finn figures to get significantly more minutes with the IceHogs, which should help his long-term development. Additionally, the move could be an indication that Gustav Forsling (upper body) is ready to be activated off injured reserve. This almost certainly won't be the last time we see Jokiharju in an NHL contest this season, as he figures to top the short list of potential call-ups.

Blackhawks' Henri Jokiharju: Healthy scratch Sunday

Jokiharju has one assist and a minus-3 rating in four games since returning from the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship. Although it's not ideal for the 19-year-old's development to watch from the press box, the Blackhawks have seven capable, healthy defensemen, and his absence will open the door for Slater Koekkoek to re-enter the lineup.

Blackhawks' Henri Jokiharju: Back in action

Jokiharju has been away from the team since Dec. 18 while representing his native Finland in the World Junior Hockey Championship. The rookie blueliner should have plenty of spring in his step against the Predators, as he was able to help Finland take home the gold medal Saturday, as his team defeated the United States by a score of 3-2.