Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is poised to make his season debut after he was activated from injured reserve on Saturday.
Murphy, who had offseason back surgery earlier this year, has yet to appear in a game with the Blackhawks in the 2018-19 campaign, and he will hope to give a boost to a defense that has struggled mightily all year long.
Murphy had two goals and 12 assists last year, his first campaign with the Blackhawks.
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In a corresponding roster move, the Blackhawks have placed defenseman Gustav Forsling on injured reserve. Forsling, who has one goal and four assists in 11 games this season, has been dealing with a shoulder injury, and the team has made the move retroactive to Dec. 5.
The news comes just one day after reports surfaced that the Blackhawks could potentially be looking to move a defenseman to clear roster space. Jan Rutta and Brandon Manning could both be possible trade chips, and the team could continue to look at moving the players as Forsling will be eligible to return on Dec. 12.
