Blackhawks recall 2018 first-round pick Nicolas Beaudin from AHL

The Blackhawks recalled defenseman Nicolas Beaudin from the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL on Tuesday.

Beaudin, who was selected in the first round (No. 27 overall) in the 2018 NHL draft, has 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 59 AHL games in his first professional season. He had 56 points (seven goals, 49 assists) in 53 games last season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL.

The move to recall Beaudin is the Blackhawks’ first of four possible non-emergency call-ups after the trade deadline. The 20-year-old’s three-year, entry-level contract has already started since he’s not a slide candidate.

Beaudin’s first NHL call up comes after fellow 2018 first-rounder Adam Boqvist — eighth overall — sustained a concussion in Chicago’s 2-0 loss to St. Louis on Sunday in Chicago. Beaudin did practice with the IceHogs on Tuesday at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, while Boqvist was absent from the Blackhawks’ practice at Fifth Third Arena in Chicago.

The Blackhawks and IceHogs are both in playoff chases with 13 games remaining in their respective leagues. Chicago entered Tuesday’s games seven points behind Minnesota for the second wild card in the Western Conference for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rockford’s quest for a Calder Cup Playoff spot is more in reach as they’re tied on points with the Chicago Wolves (Golden Knights), but are one spot out of the fourth place in the Central Division for playoff spot.

The Blackhawks play two games this week, starting Wednesday against the Sharks in Chicago, before Rockford’s next game on Saturday against the Wolves in Rosemont.