Hossa to return for Hawks vs. Oilers

ATLANTA -- As if beating the Thrashers in a shootout Saturday night wasn't enough good news for the Blackhawks, they're getting Marian Hossa back to boot.

Hossa is expected to return to the lineup Sunday night against Edmonton at the United Center after missing the last five games with an upper-body injury.

“I'm going to say I'm optimistic he's playing (Sunday) night,” coach Joel Quenneville said.

In Quenneville code that means Hossa is a go.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, they might have lost rookie winger Jeremy Morin.

The 19-year-old Morin didn't finish his NHL debut Saturday after diving to block a shot by Atlanta defenseman Johnny Oduya in the third period and taking the hard blast off the back of his right leg.

Morin was helped to the dressing room, returned for one shift, but found he couldn't continue.

“It was a tie game and he was committed to doing what he had to do to win,” Quenneville said. “You've got to like that compete level.”

Morin had 3 shots on goal in 10 minutes playing with Patrick Sharp and Troy Brouwer before he got hurt.

“We'll see how he presents himself (Sunday) morning,” Quenneville said.

The irony was not lost on Morin, who made his debut against the team that traded him to the Hawks.

“Obviously it's a bit ironic, but it's an exciting time for me,” Morin said. “They were good to me and trading is just part of the business.”

It was on June 24 that the Hawks acquired Morin, two draft picks, Marty Reasoner and Joey Crabb from Atlanta in the blockbuster trade in which Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel and Ben Eager went to the Thrashers.

The night of the trade Hawks general manager Stan Bowman warned reporters not to overlook the acquisition of Morin, the high-scoring junior winger from the Kitchener Rangers.

Morin lived up to expectations at training camp and was one of the last forwards assigned to Rockford.

“He's one of those kids who had a real good camp with us,” Quenneville said. “We like his upside. We think he has a nice career ahead of him. He's got some nice hands, sees plays and protects pucks well. He's got a chance to be a good power forward.”

Morin is the fourth forward recalled from Rockford this season but the first skill guy. Until Friday the Hawks have brought up grinder-types to fill in, such as Ben Smith, Evan Brophey and Ryan Potulny.

“He has some ability to score and make plays,” Quenneville said of Morin.