Blackhawks Activate Connor Murphy From Injured Reserve
Murphy had offseason back surgery earlier this year
By James Neveau ••
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.
James Neveau
The Blackhawks "Hockey House" is a pop-up store located on Michigan Avenue, just south of the team's flagship store.
There are plenty of interactive elements at the store, including locker stalls featuring jerseys and gear from some of the team's biggest stars.
Fans can also take pictures at the team's photo booth, which is placed directly in front of a large "One Goal" display at the back of the space.
There are plenty of other interesting touches as well, including a mural designed by a local artist to capture the flavor of the city and the history of the team.
These may look like decorative boards, but they are actually from the United Center!
Fans can grab a wide variety of Winter Classic gear, including jerseys, hats, t-shirts, scarves, stocking caps (or in hockey lingo, toques), and much more.
The store will be open through the Winter Classic, which will take place on Jan. 1 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.
The store will close on Jan. 4, but the team's flagship store down the street is open year-round.
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.
