Blackhawks receive a major reinforcement ahead of facing Oilers Saturday

The Chicago Blackhawks are set for a crucial matchup tonight against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.

Even though the Blackhawks can't yet match the Oilers in terms of sheer star power, they are getting a key reinforcement back into their lineup after having missed the last pair of games.

Ilya Mikheyev practiced with the Blackhawks and is set to make his return to the ice tonight, but Chicago will still be missing Jason Dickinson.

It looks like Mikheyev will skate on a line with Ryan Donato and Colton Dach.

Per Blackhawks analyst Ben Pope, they'll be going with the following line combinations tonight against the Oilers:

So far this year, Mikheyev has 5 points (3G, 2A).

The Blackhawks have won five games already this season, giving fans hope that they could be taking another step toward getting back into postseason contention.

But their road trip began in poor fashion, as they were beaten 6-3 by the Winnipeg Jets. Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews played against his old team for the 1st time since coming back to the NHL; he hadn't played since 2023.