The Chicago Blackhawks are dealing with some injury concerns on their blue line, and they made a roster move to address them Wednesday as they placed Cody Franson on injured reserve.
In a corresponding roster move, the team has recalled defenseman Ville Pokka from Rockford.
Franson has missed the Blackhawks’ last two games after suffering an injury against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night at the United Center. Franson has one goal and six assists this season for the Blackhawks, and has been one of the pleasant surprises for a defensive group that was viewed with suspicion by some observers before the season began.
As for Pokka, he will finally get his chance at playing in the NHL with his recall, as Franson is out and Jan Rutta is potentially in for missed time after suffering an upper body injury against the Florida Panthers Tuesday night.
Pokka has scored three goals and dished out nine assists in 26 games for the IceHogs this season, and has been a strong offensive player overall for Rockford, with 119 points in 249 career AHL games.
It’s unclear whether or not Pokka will get a chance to make his NHL debut for the Blackhawks on Thursday night when they travel to Winnipeg to take on the Jets in a divisional contest.
