Defenseman Blake Hillman will likely make his NHL debut Friday, when the Chicago Blackhawks visit the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center in Denver.
Hillman, 22, signed a two-year entry-level contract earlier this week after his junior season with the University of Denver. The 2016 sixth-round pick had three goals and nine assists for the Pioneers in 41 games this past season. The 6-foot-1, 193 pounder had two shots in a block in two tournament games.
Collin Delia will make his second straight start in net Friday. Delia made stopped 25 of 27 shots in his NHL debut during Chicago’s 6-2 win over Winnipeg on Thursday at United Center.