Former Blackhawks blueliner involved in shocking transaction by Carolina Hurricanes
Former Chicago Blackhawks gets an NHL call up, and it could be his last opportunity to make an impact at the NHL level for the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Carolina Hurricanes have added depth to their blueline ahead of a very highly anticipated matchup upcoming on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Hurricanes announced that they have recalled former Blackhawks defenseman Riley Stillman from the Chicago Wolves (their AHL experience).
Fans may not remember Stillman in a Blackhawks jersey, but they'll certainly remember who Kyle Davidson acquired in exchange for the blueliner.
The Blackhawks acquired Jason Dickinson alongside a second-round draft pick from the Vancouver Canucks, in exchange for Riley Stillman. Dickinson would end up being one of the Blackhawks' best goal scorers that season, and still is.
Stillman's path to the Hurricanes, from the Canucks, has been a rough one.
He was sidelined for the first month of the 2024-25 NHL season due to a lower-body injury, and was then activated from the injury reserve list on November 12th.
Stillman's NHL call up draws question from the media
Since being deemed healthy, the 26-year old defenseman has been called up a whopping five times by the Carolina Hurricanes this year. Given countless of opportunities, why again? Perhaps it's his last shot to show the Hurricanes what he's got, 6th times the charm... right?
In the AHL, Stillman has been 'solid', but not much further. Scoring two goals and five points in fifteen games so far, his +/- rating of (negative) 2 displays his skill level.
In what could be his last chance at the NHL level, the former Blackhawk looks to make the most of it as he faces off against the contending Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
