Henri Jokiharju will return to the Blackhawks’ lineup Wednesday night when they host the Predators at the United Center.
Jokiharju reported back to Chicago on Monday after winning gold with the Finnish men’s national junior team at World Junior Championship in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Blackhawks opted to have him be a health scratch Monday in Chicago’s 4-3 home loss to Calgary.
Jokiharju had two goals and three assists in seven games during the World Juniors tournament, including an assist on Kaapo Kakko’s golden goal against the United States in the gold-medal game. His first goal of the tournament was also his first goal since last April in a WHL playoff game for the Portland Winterhawks.
The rookie defenseman has no goals and 11 assists in 32 games this season while playing in a top-four pairing role.
The Blackhawks did not do line rushes during Wednesday morning’s practice, but defensemen Gustav Forsling (upper-torso) and Brent Seabrook (illness) did not participate in practice. Seabrook will be a game time decision. Forsling missed Monday’s game with the injury and saw Brandon Davidson slotted in his place.