NEWSLETTER
On Sunday morning, the Chicago Blackhawks made a bunch of roster moves that will allow young players and regular Taxi Squad members the opportunity to get some game action with the Rockford IceHogs, as well as give AHL players the chance to practice alongside the NHL squad in the next few days.
The Blackhawks are sending five players to the IceHogs: Reese Johnson, Nicolas Beaudin, Madison Bowey, Lucas Carlsson and Wyatt Kalynuk.
They are recalling four from Rockford to join the NHL Taxi Squad: Mikael Hakkarainen, Brandon Pirri, John Quenneville and Alec Regula.
Bunch of #Blackhawks and #IceHogs on the move today:
Mikael Hakkarainen, Brandon Pirri, John Quenneville and Alec Regula recalled to #NHL taxi squad.
Reese Johnson, Nicolas Beaudin, Madison Bowey, Lucas Carlsson and Wyatt Kalynuk assigned to Rockford#AHL— Mario Tirabassi (@Mario_Tirabassi) March 21, 2021
This is an opportunity for players like Carlsson, Beaudin, and Kalynuk mostly to keep their legs fresh and ready for the Blackhawks if they are needed later in the season. It can also give a young player like Alec Regula a confidence boost being able to practice with the NHL club and be around the Blackhawks coaching staff. It seems the organization likes what the 20-year-old brings to the table defensively with his combination of size and vision.
Between tonight and April 1st, both teams will be in the same state. The Blackhawks return home after a six-game road trip and will be playing their next six games at the United Center. The IceHogs have their next six games all in Illinois with four at home and two games on the road against the Chicago Wolves.
Rockford’s next game is tonight at 6:00 p.m. CT against the Iowa Wild, while the Blackhawks play next on Tuesday night against the Florida Panthers.
