Blichfeld spent most of the 2020-21 season in the AHL, where he led the Barracuda with 12 goals and 10 assists (22 points) in 25 games. Blichfeld was a seventh-round pick in 2016 but is trending towards being an NHLer in 2021-22.
It will be Blichfeld's first game since March 8th and the sixth of his NHL career. The 22-year-old, who has 12 goals and 10 assists in 25 AHL games this season, will replace Joel Kellman in the Sharks' bottom-6.
Making his season debut on Wednesday, Blichfeld's night was cut short after he was ejected for the check to the head on MacKinnon. On Thursday, the NHL levied a two-game suspension on Blichfeld, which rules him out for Friday and Saturday's back-to-back vs. the Golden Knights.
Blichfeld has had a torrid start to the AHL season, scoring six goals with three assists (nine points) in six games. Blichfeld will replace Marcus Sorensen and skate on the fourth line with Alexander True.
The Sharks reportedly want to send a "message" to Marcus Sorensen, so Blichfeld will take his spot in the lineup on Saturday. Blichfeld was a seventh-round pick in 2016, who has no points in two NHL games this year but had 25 points (13G / 12A) in 27 AHL games when he was called up. He is expected to start on the top line with Tomas Hertl and Evander Kane.
Blichfeld was a seventh-round pick (No.210 overall) in 2016 and is leading the Barracuda in goals (9) and points (19) in his first professional season. Blichfeld is expected to make his NHL debut on the third line with Patrick Marleau and Barclay Goodrow.
