Welcome Back Wyatt Kaiser: Blackhawks Call Defenseman Up From Rockford

Another part of the Blackhawks young prospects has returned. Defenseman Wyatt Kaiser is back in Chicago, called up by the team today per a release from the Blackhawks.

Since going to Rockford, Kaiser has 15 points (3-12) in 31 games and will join the Hawks in the final 14 games of the season. His last game with Chicago was back on December 19th when Chicago was victorious in a 3-2 decision over the Colorado Avalanche.

What’s the Plan for Wyatt Kaiser?

Kaiser stood out both in the preseason and early stretch of the season, but there certainly some moments for growth–and with Alex Vlasic holding up the blue line well, the Blackhawks could afford to send Kaiser back to get more minutes and seasoning. Consistently on the top pairing for IceHogs head coach Anders Sorensen, the former 2020 third-round pick has logged significant ice time.

So now, what is the plan for the 21-year-old defenseman? There is a logjam on the blue line, especially for the future–knowing that Ethan Del Mastro is likely ready for the big time while Isaak Phillips spent a considerable amount of time in Chicago this season. Something will have to give at some point, but Kaiser is useful because of his versatility both on the right and left side of the defensive pairing.

Now, can the success he found in the AHL transfer over with the big club? The Blackhawks head to Los Angeles so if he indeed makes it into the lineup, it will be against a team that just beat Chicago 5-0 on Friday night.

Holding him out until Thursday’s game with Anaheim might be one strategy. Lukas Reichel looked much more confident in yesterday’s victory over San Jose. Then again, if the Blackhawks brass are already trying to begin piecing things together for next season, maybe a chance against a formidable foe helps them see what has been learned since leaving.

Regardless, add Kaiser’s return as another interesting storyline to follow with the season winding down.