The Blackhawks sent rookie Wyatt Kaiser to Rockford to make room for veteran Connor Murphy's return, despite Kaiser's solid play. The Blackhawks are focusing more on the AHL now as the season winds down.

Rockford is preparing for the playoffs led by prospects like Kaiser, Del Mastro, Nolan Allan, and others. In the NHL, the Hawks are gearing up for the last few games with a focus on young talent and pending free agents.