Trevor van Riemsdyk Likely To Play At Some Point In Stanley Cup Final

(CBS) Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk is likely to return at some point in the Stanley Cup Final against the Lightning, though he won't play in Wednesday evening's Game 1, CSNChicago.com reported.

Van Riemsdyk hasn't played in an NHL game since November because of multiple injuries and has recently been out since having surgery on his injured right wrist in early April. He was cleared to return by doctors before Chicago played Anaheim in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final.

Chicago's weakness in the playoffs has been its fifth and sixth defenseman spots, so it's looking for more help for Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Johnny Oduya, all of whom have been logging big minutes.

Riemdsyk played in just 18 games during his injury-riddled rookie campaign, recording one assist. An undrafted free agent, he was a surprise addition out of training camp but earned his way into the lineup with steady play. He played a fifth/sixth defenseman role when he was healthy.

"One of his strengths is his reads," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said, according to CSNChicago.com. "He's positionally aware and (has good) decision-making with the puck. He has a lot of attribute that could help our team. He came on the scene rather fast. We have a lot of confidence and trust with him."

Game 2 between Chicago and Tampa Bay is on Saturday evening.