Couple roster moves just announced. Dylan Olsen and Andrew Shaw have been called up. To make room, Steve Montador and Marcus Kruger — who in no way was mishandled at all or anything — have been move to Injured Reserved. Kruger is basically eligible to come off of that whenever, and Montador should be available on Saturday at the earliest.
As for the new call-ups, clearly the most interesting one is Olsen. I don’t watch much of Rockford, but our guy in the know Chris Block at The Third Man In has labeled Olsen the only untouchable the Hawks have in the system. While he’s still got some ways to go, he plays with the snarl and edge the Hawks might lack. He’s still learning the pro game but has made huge strides this season. Does that mean he’s ready for third pairing minutes? Almost certainly not, and it’s one thing to deal with AHL forwards and then have Scott Hartnell back up in your ass with the resurrection, as he will be tomorrow. But it’ll be fun to get a look at what the future might bring.
Shaw seems destined for a pretty short, lively career. At a generous 5-10 he’s essentially been a bowling ball in the AHL, hurling himself at everything and anything to create space for his linemates. Again, according to Block, Brandon Pirri’s game didn’t take off until he had Shaw with him being a meteor for him to find some openings. One thing to do that there, another in the Show. Still, any physicality will be welcome on the Hawks, and he’ll probably have a chance to kick in right away on the fourth line with Mayers and Hayes (I assume Brunette is moving up to play with Toews and Hossa, so I can be proven wrong about what I’ve been calling for pretty much all season).
Half-season assessment coming up this afternoon.