NEWSLETTER
On Wednesday afternoon, the Chicago Blackhawks announced the movement of seven players within the organization. With his quarantine period over, NCAA free agent signee Mike Hardman is eligible to make his way to the active roster for The Blackhawks and has been assigned to the NHL Taxi Squad. Joining him is rookie defensemen Alec Regula. Heading from the Taxi Squad to the AHL will be defensemen Lucas Carlsson, Ian Mitchell, and Nicolas Beaudin, as well as forwards Reese Johnson and MacKenzie Entwistle.
ROSTER MOVES: Forward Mike Hardman was removed from the non-roster list and was added to the taxi squad and defenseman Alec Regula was re-assigned to the taxi squad.#Blackhawks https://t.co/uOrRrsLcXn
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 7, 2021
Hardman, a free agent signing out of Boston College, just joined on the ice today in an optional practice. While it’s unlikely he jumps directly into the lineup, given that Chicago is currently in a playoff chase, expect Hardman to get his first taste of NHL action soon.
Colliton on Mike Hardman practicing today: "For now, it's just to get him sharp and up to speed. There's no specific plan for getting him in, but just wanted to get him out there with the guys."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 7, 2021
In his post-practice media call, Hardman said a player he would compare his style of play to is Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk, “Big body that is physical, creates plays, and scores goals.” Sounds great to me.
Mike Hardman: "The Blackhawks were one of the first teams I met with during the recruitment process here my freshman year. … They've always been there, so it was good fit for me. It's a young team and they're just preparing for the future." #Blackhawks
— Brandon Cain (@brandonmcain) April 7, 2021
The IceHogs play tonight in Rockford against the Chicago Wolves, while the Blackhawks are at home for tomorrow night’s contest against the Dallas Stars. Earlier today, it was announced that the Blackhawks would be purchasing the IceHogs, and investing in a 15-year lease agreement to keep the team in Rockford through at least 2036.
