BREAKING: Chicago Blackhawks Fan Favorite Steps Away From The Team Due to personal reasons

In a surprising turn of events, a Chicago Blackhawks fan-favorite defenseman Nikita Zaitsev has decided to step away from hockey momentarily due to personal reasons.

This is not the first time that the Russian blue-liner has taken a hiatus from the NHL for personal matters, and the entire Blackhawks Nation expresses their concern and support, hoping that everything is okay for Zaitsev. The Blackhawks have placed him on the non-roster list.

To fill the void left by Zaitsev's absence, the Chicago Blackhawks have made a roster move. Defenseman Filip Roos, a 24-year-old undrafted Swedish talent, has been recalled from the team's AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

Roos, who joined the Blackhawks from Skellefteå AIK and the SHL in the summer of 2022, had an impactful first season in North America, splitting his time between the AHL and NHL.


In the current season, Roos has already demonstrated his skills in Rockford, contributing four points in 10 games. With Zaitsev temporarily stepping away, Roos is set to compete with Isaak Phillips for the open lineup spot in head coach Luke Richardson's roster.


The specific position left vacant by Zaitsev's absence is on the team's third defensive pairing, where he was paired with 21-year-old University of Minnesota-Duluth product Wyatt Kaiser.


As the Blackhawks navigate this unexpected change, the entire hockey community wishes Zaitsev the privacy and time he needs while eagerly anticipating his return to the ice.