UPDATE: Alternative Defensive Pairings

Niklas Hjalmarsson will be returning to the ice tonight for his debut match of the 2016-2017 NHL regular season versus the Nashville Predators.

Hjalmarsson sat helplessly as he watched the Blackhawks drop their season opener to the St. Louis Blues with a final score of 5-2.

With the return of the star defenseman it looks like Trevor van Riemsdyk might have to sit out the next match.

Van Riemsdyk hit the ice for all 82 games last season so its quite surprising that the Blackhawks defensive depth has developed to a point where they can afford to sit him out for a game or two. 

With players like Brian Campbell and rookies such as Gustav Forsling and Michal Kempny coach Q has some room to make adjustments.

Hjalmarsson is well known for his ability to kill penalties, which is what the team was lacking last game, as three of the goals they faced were during a power play for the Blues.

Hopefully with his return the Blackhawks can turn their first game on the road into a victory in order to build momentum for the rest of the regular season.