Artem Anisimov will return from an upper-body injury to the Chicago Blackhawks’ lineup Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville told the media Sunday.
Quenneville did not say what player would be sent down to the AHL in Rockford.
Anisimov hasn’t played since suffering the injury Dec. 28 in Vancouver. He has 13 goals and five assists in 36 games this season. Despite missing 10 games, he is tied with Brandon Saad for the fourth most goals on the team.
During Anisimov’s absence, 21-year-old Nick Schmaltz has filled in at the No. 2 center spot alongside Patrick Kane. Schmaltz has played well in the role with 12 goals and 33 points in 42 games during his second NHL season. He tallied 12 of those 33 points came when Anisimov was out.
With captain Jonathan Toews and Schmaltz taking the top two center spots, Chicago has gone with David Kampf and Tommy Wingles fill out the center roles. During Sunday’s practice, Anisimov centered the third line with Ryan Hartman and Alex DeBrincat while Kampf moved down to the fourth line with Tomas Jurco and Vinnie Hinostroza.
The Hawks will also turn to Jeff Glass in net.