The Chicago Blackhawks welcomed back defenseman Alec Martinez on Thursday after activating him from injured reserve. He has been sidelined since October 17 due to a right groin injury. The veteran, who was signed in the offseason to strengthen Chicago’s defense, recorded one assist in four games before his injury. Although his recovery took longer than anticipated, he is now set to return for Thursday’s matchup against the Seattle Kraken.
Martinez is expected to pair with Seth Jones on the top defensive line, a combination favored by head coach Luke Richardson earlier in the season. Rookie Nolan Allan, who performed admirably in Martinez’s absence, is likely to be a healthy scratch against the Kraken. The Blackhawks are heading out on their third West Coast road trip of the season, with the game set to start at 9 p.m. CT and broadcasted on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).
