The Chicago Blackhawks will begin a four-game road trip tomorrow night against the Vancouver Canucks, and they’ll have a new option up front should they need it. David Kampf has been recalled by the team from the minor leagues for the first time.
Kampf signed with the Blackhawks in the offseason after a particularly impressive season in the Czech professional league, and has performed well in his first taste of the AHL. With 17 points in 30 games, the 22-year old has shown that his European breakout might lead to a real NHL future. The Blackhawks, still struggling to remain relevant in the Western Conference playoff race, could use some kind of spark to get them back on track.
Undrafted, Kampf was a highly sought-after free agent this summer that eventually decided on the Blackhawks organization. The 6’0″ winger was actually ranked 36th among international skaters in 2014 and 57th again in 2015, but was never selected. He’ll now try to become the latest example of an undrafted European player making a big impact in Chicago.
The team has also recalled goaltender Jeff Glass, while placing Corey Crawford on injured reserve. It’s not clear how long Crawford will be out, but the net will fall to Anton Forsberg for the time being. Glass, 32, has never appeared in an NHL game in his professional career.
Wow Jeff Glass. Haven’t heard that name in years. His only career distinction to this point is the fact he was the starting goalie on that insanely stacked 2005 Team Canada junior roster that featured Sidney Crosby, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Patrice Bergeron, Shea Weber, Brent Seabrook, Jeff Carter and Dion Phaneuf.