Blackhawks Place Brett Connolly in COVID Protocol, Recall 2 from Rockford

The Chicago Blackhawks added another name to the COVID Protocol on Saturday. Forward Brett Connolly joins Kirby Dach, Seth Jones, Dylan Strome, and Jake McCabe in the protocol.

In a pair of corresponding moves, the Blackhawks recalled defenseman Ian Mitchell and forward Josiah Slavin from the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday afternoon.

Brett Connolly has played in just four games for the Hawks this season. He has not recorded a point while averaging 8:25 of ice time in those contests.

As for Mitchell and Slavin, they’re back with the Blackhawks after being assigned AHL club on Friday. Both played Friday night in the IceHogs’ 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Monsters.

Ian Mitchell recorded an assist and a +3 rating to lead Rockford’s blue line. Josiah Slavin fired two shots on net but did not crack the score sheet.

The Blackhawks are back in action Saturday night against the Anaheim Ducks. Interim head coach Derek King did not disclose his lineup, but Mitchell was the seventh defenseman during line rushes at morning skate.