Blackhawks Shuffle Blue Line in Anticipation of Alec Martinez's Return

The Chicago Blackhawks will likely get a veteran presence back on their blue line shortly.

Chicago assigned defenseman Isaak Phillips to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs on Monday, which means Alec Martinez will likely return from injured reserve before Thursday's game against the Seattle Kraken.

Martinez posted one assist in four games to begin the season before going on injured reserve with a right groin issue .

Head coach Luke Richardson was hopeful Martinez would return in late October, but that plan never materialized.

The 37-year-old participated in a portion of Saturday's practice and has a few more days to get right before the Blackhawks return to action.

In Martinez's stead, Phillips logged one goal and averaged 11:54 of ice time in three games.

He now returns to Rockford, where he's played two games this season.

Isaak Phillips rips it past a Tyler Bertuzzi screen, 1-0 #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/denHdMZ4Hz The Blackhawks hit the road Thursday when they visit the Kraken to open a two-game West Coast swing.

Puck drop is at 9 p.m.

CT and the game will air on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) .

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