Forward Philipp Kurashev returns as well after missing one game with the flu. Chicago a little less depleted
Blackhawks rookie defenseman Kevin Korchinski and veteran D-man Jarred Tinordi will return to Chicago's lineup against the Montréal Canadiens on Friday night.
Korchinski scored an OT goal against Toronto on Nov. 24 to cap a 4-3 comeback win.The smooth-skating Korchinski hasn't played since Dec. 7 against Anaheim. The 19-year-old flew back to Chicago on Monday from his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan following the death of his father, Larry.
The rugged Tinordi, 31, has missed the last six games in concussion protocol. He sat out nine earlier this season with an oblique injury.
Korchinski has two goals and five assists, but is a minus-12 in 25 games. He skated on Tuesday before Chicago's 3-2 win over Colorado, then participated in a full practice on Thursday.
"Having him back was great for the guys to see him and, I'm sure, for him to see the guys," coach Luke Richardson said. "He seemed to be smiling and happy to be back and get some of that energy, use it out physically, on the ice in practice and now in a game.
"We're looking for him to just come in and play his game... He's a great skater."
Forward Philipp Kurashev will be back as well after sitting out Tuesday with the flu. Petr Mrazek will start in goal as the Blackhawks try to avenge a 3-2 loss at Montréal on Oct. 14 when they were done in by a lousy second period.
D-men Wyatt Kaiser and Filip Roos, and forward Cole Guttman – all recent call-ups from AHL Rockford – will sit out.