After the Christmas Holiday pause in the NHL ended, teams were allowed to get back onto the ice and also resume COVID testing. After having tomorrow night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets postponed, the Blackhawks announced a number of roster moves and COVID updates on Monday morning.
Marc-André Fleury will be placed in COVID protocol, while Calvin de Haan has been released from COVID protocol. Additionally, the Blackhawks recalled goaltender Collin Delia from the Rockford IceHogs and re-assigned forward Brett Connolly, currently suspended in the NHL, to the IceHogs in the AHL.
MEDICAL UPDATE: Marc-Andre Fleury will not practice today (COVID-19 Protocol).
Defenseman Calvin de Haan has been removed from COVID-19 Protocol. pic.twitter.com/vupQSbISpS
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) December 27, 2021
Fleury has been playing some of his best hockey lately, winning eight of his last 12 starts, going 8-3-1 since November 9 with a .933 save-percentage and a 2.13 GAA. With de Haan coming back to the lineup, he’ll have a chance to record his first point of the season once the Blackhawks get back to action. He is the only lineup regular to not record a goal or assist this season, skating in 26 games and averaging 18:52 minutes per night.
Collin Delia is on the ice for practice, along with Kevin Lankinen. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/S4MCfQmdj0
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 27, 2021
Delia will be making his return to the NHL roster for the Blackhawks after spending most of the season last year on the Taxi Squad. Last season, Delia made six appearances, starting five games. He recorded a 1-3-1 record with a .902 save-percentage and a 3.59 GAA. In nine appearances with the IceHogs this season, Delia has a 4-4-1 record with a .907 save-percentage and a 2.86 GAA.