Blackhawks activate Petr Mrazek off injured reserve

On Thursday, the Chicago Blackhawks announced that goaltender Petr Mrazek has been activated from injured reserve. In response, the team sent netminder Drew Commesso down to its American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

While it has not been determined, there is a chance that Mrazek could make his return on Thursday night as the Blackhawks get set to host the Seattle Kraken.

Mrazek was placed on IR with a groin injury a little over a week ago. He suffered the ailment in the opening period of Chicago’s 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 7. The 32-year-old has missed six games, including the early exit from the Winnipeg contest, in which the Hawks have gone 3-3-0 over that span.

By some accounts, the Czech netminder has been playing well this season, going 7-11-1 in his first 20 appearances, with a 2.83 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. While his SV% is slightly down from last season, Mrazek has been able to give the Blackhawks a chance to win on most nights. His play over the past couple of seasons led him to sign a two-year, $4.25 million AAV extension with the Original Six franchise last January.

In 410 NHL games, Mrazek has a record of 175-166-39, with a 2.80 GAA, a .907 SV% and 25 shutouts.

Commesso played in two games over his recent stint with the Hawks, including being handed a loss in his first NHL start against the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 14. In 10 games with the IceHogs this year, the 22-year-old has a record of 4-6-0, with a 3.34 GAA and .879 SV%.

The Blackhawks (11-19-2) are tied for last in the Central Division and the Western Conference with the Nashville Predators. Both are 14 points out of a Wild Card spot.