The Chicago Blackhawks recalled forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the AHL, the team announced Sunday. Hinostroza spent the past week with the Rockford IceHogs after being reassigned with three other rookies last weekend.
The main reason that Hinostroza, Nick Schmaltz, Tanner Kero, and Gustav Forsling were sent down to the AHL was salary cap purposes during the team’s bye week. Schmaltz and Kero got called back up for Saturday night’s game against the Oilers, and now Hinostroza is back in the fold for Sunday night’s game against the Sabres.
The Blackhawks went with veteran Andrew Desjardins on the fourth line against Edmonton, and he was once again underwhelming. Desjardins and Jordin Tootoo remain on the active roster, but they’ve totaled one assist in a combined 70 appearances this season. At this point, they shouldn’t be playing for a Cup contender.
Hinostroza’s return presumably bumps Desjardins back out of the lineup, and returns the team to a bottom six with Kero, Hinostroza, Ryan Hartman, Marcus Kruger, Dennis Rasmussen, and Marian Hossa for now.
By moving to a 23-man active roster, the Blackhawks also take a bite into their potential cap space for the trade deadline. Cap Friendly projects that, if the team keeps its current roster until March 1, it could add an annual cap hit of up to $3.29 million at the trade deadline.
In 46 games with the Blackhawks this season, Hinostroza has recorded six goals and eight assists. He also recorded an assist in three appearances with the IceHogs.