Saarela played in three straight games with Florida, failing to record a point with just three shots in 11:41 ATOI. With Saarela being sent back to the AHL, Denis Malgin is expected to draw back into the Panthers lineup on Thursday.

Saarela was originally drafted by the Rangers in the third round in 2015 but came up in the Hurricanes organization before being dealt to Chicago and then to Florida this October. The 22-year-old has four goals and six assists (10 points) in 17 AHL games this season and will skate on the third line with Frank Vatrano and Noel Acciari on his wings on Saturday.

Saarela was originally a third-round pick of the Hurricanes, where he spent the first two years of his career before being traded to Chicago in a trade that sent Anton Forsberg and Gustav Forsling to Carolina. Saarela opened the 2019-20 season with Rockford and registered just one assist in five games. He will report to Springfield (AHL).

Saarela was originally a third-round pick of the Rangers but has spent the last two full seasons with Charlotte (AHL). This season, Saarela was second among Checkers with 54 points (30G / 24A) in 69 games. Saarela has a good chance to crack the Blackhawks roster out of training camp.

Jordan Martinook was hurt in Game 4 so Saarela has been recalled and could make his NHL debut in Game 5. Saarela was a third-round pick of the Rangers in 2015 and has registered 30 goals and 24 goals (54 points) in 69 AHL games this season.