Blackhawks Scratch Crevier and Mangiapane for Colorado Game Following Injuries

Defenseman Louis Crevier and forward Andrew Mangiapane were sidelined for Friday's matchup against Colorado following a 2-1 win in Minnesota.

The Chicago Blackhawks entered Friday night's contest against Colorado without defenseman Louis Crevier and forward Andrew Mangiapane. This Blackhawks injury update follows a 2-1 victory over Minnesota on Thursday night, a game in which both players sustained unspecified ailments. While the duo missed the immediate matchup, coach Jeff Blashill indicated the setbacks are not considered long-term issues, though neither athlete was available for selection on Friday.

To address the depleted roster, Chicago activated forward Dominic Toninato. The team recalled Toninato from the minor leagues earlier on Friday to provide depth against the Avalanche. Crevier, a 6-foot-8 blueliner, has established himself as a consistent presence in the lineup during his third NHL campaign. Originally a seventh-round selection in the 2020 draft, he has recorded a career-best five goals and 12 assists across 65 games this season.

Roster Shifts and Trade Acquisitions

Andrew Mangiapane’s absence leaves a void in the forward group just weeks after his arrival in Chicago. The Blackhawks acquired Mangiapane on March 4 through a trade with the Edmonton Oilers. Since joining the club, he has appeared in seven games, contributing one goal and one assist. His injury, alongside Crevier's, forced the coaching staff to lean on recent call-ups to maintain a full lineup for the Friday night showdown.

Jeff Blashill’s assessment suggests that while the injuries are significant enough to prevent back-to-back appearances, the team expects both players to return to action in the near future. The physical presence of Crevier, standing at 80 inches tall, has been a key component of the Chicago defensive rotation throughout the current season.

Prospect Development and Immigration Delays

Off the ice, the Blackhawks are navigating administrative hurdles regarding top prospect Sacha Boisvert. The team announced a three-year contract for the forward on Monday, but Boisvert remains sidelined while awaiting immigration clearance. A native of Quebec, Boisvert celebrated his 20th birthday this past Tuesday. He was selected by Chicago as the No. 18 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Due to the ongoing delay in his paperwork, Boisvert's professional debut may be pushed back. If clearance is not received immediately, he is expected to join the team during their upcoming four-game road trip. The organization remains eager to integrate the first-round talent into the system once the legal requirements are finalized.

Tactical Impact on the Lineup

The loss of Crevier impacts the special teams and even-strength pairings, given his 17 total points this year. Meanwhile, the integration of Dominic Toninato provides a veteran presence from the minors to offset the loss of Mangiapane’s offensive production. Chicago continues to manage a fluctuating roster as they balance veteran health with the introduction of young draft picks like Boisvert and established contributors like the 2020 seventh-rounder Crevier.