COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jimmy Hayes is back with the big club and Corey Crawford will get the start in net tomorrow night when the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Hayes was recalled on Friday morning from the Rockford IceHogs. Meanwhile, Andrew Shaw was sent back to the IceHogs.
"(Shaw) had a great start. Consistency is something youre looking, over time, for him to get there. He was certainly disappointed but he's a good kid and he'll be a good pro," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Jimmy was very good here last time but we had to make a decision at the (All-Star) break (with numbers) So hes back and hes excited."
The Blackhawks had an optional skate on Friday, with most of their top players taking the day off. But they're all expected to play on Saturday afternoon.
Back in Chicago, Niklas Hjalmarsson has "had significant improvement" recently with his upper-body injury. Quenneville said he's hopeful the defenseman could be skating this weekend. He added Hjalmarsson is unlikely to play Sunday when the Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues.
There has been no change in Steve Montador's upper-body injury.