BOSTON — Alex Khokhlachev is back in Boston.
One day after placing forward Zac Rinaldo on injured reserve with an upper body injury, the Bruins on Wednesday recalled Khokhlachev from Providence for the second time this season.
“(He is) player that’s playing well in Providence,” head coach Claude Julien said after Wednesday’s morning skate at TD Garden. “I don’t get to see him much, so it’s hard for me to start elaborating on a player that I don’t see much. But the few games that he played here, I thought he competed hard, worked hard. And according to the people that have been keeping an eye on him, he certainly deserving of being here. And so we needed a call-up, so he’s the guy.”
Khokhlachev made a two-game cameo for the Bruins earlier this season, recording zero points and three shots on goal in losses to the Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars. The 22-year-old forward also appeared in three games last season for Boston and one in 2013-14.
A broken hand sidelined Khokhlachev for nearly a month shortly after his latest NHL call-up, but he has impressed since returning to action, tallying seven points (two goals, five assists) in his last six games for the Baby B’s.
“He’s a player that works hard,” said Bruins winger Frank Vatrano, who began the season with Khokhlachev in Providence. “He makes the game a lot easier for the players he’s playing with. For me, he’s a really good playmaker, so he would always get to the areas for me and put the puck on my stick. Playing with him was awesome.”
Vatrano was able to turn his early November promotion into an extended stay in Boston. Khokhlachev, who leads the P-Bruins in points and assists this season, is hoping to do the same.
“For sure,” he said. “Every guy who gets called up wants to stay here all the time. … I’m pretty sure if I play really good, they will keep me.”
Julien did not confirm whether or not Khokhlachev will be in the lineup for Wednesday night’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
