What Happened
The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled goaltender Drew Commesso from the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. This move was made to provide relief for Spencer Knight, who is currently leading the league in starts and shots faced. To clear a roster spot, veteran winger Patrick Kane was placed on injured reserve. The placement is retroactive to November 2, 2026, due to an upper-body injury. Despite the IR designation, Kane remains eligible to be activated for the team's upcoming matchup against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday.
Key Details
- Drew Commesso was recalled from AHL Rockford to serve as backup goaltender.
- Patrick Kane was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
- Kane's IR placement is retroactive to November 2, 2026.
- Spencer Knight leads the league in starts and shots faced this season.
- Commesso has a 2.74 GAA and .890 SV% in seven games this season.
- Kane is eligible to return for the game against Buffalo on Thursday.
What It Means
The move addresses the unsustainable workload on Spencer Knight, who has been carrying the net for most of the season. By recalling Commesso, Chicago aims to distribute starts more evenly in the short term. For Kane, the backdated IR placement allows him to rest his upper body while remaining available for immediate return, preserving his roster spot without requiring a waiver process.
What's Next
Kane is eligible to be activated for the Blackhawks' game against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. Commesso will likely see limited action as a backup, providing relief for Knight in the near future.