The Chicago Blackhawks recalled forward John Hayden from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, the team announced Saturday.
Hayden, 23, has three goals and eight assists in 39 games during his first full NHL season. The 6-foot-3, 223-pounder was sent down Jan. 8 in a corresponding move for Tomas Jurco to be brought up to the main roster. Hayden took the assignment as an opportunity and not a demotion. He helped Rockford climb into Calder Cup playoff contention with five goals and 14 points in only 22 games.
Hayden is an emergency call up. He will replace forward Vinnie Hinostroza in Chicago’s lineup alongside Alex DeBrincat and Nick Schmaltz for Saturday’s game at Boston. Hinostroza will miss the game due to a family matter, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Hayden recorded one assist in Chicago’s 3-2 home loss to Boston on April 2, 2017, in Chicago. The former Yale University product has never played at TD Garden as a pro.