Chicago Blackhawks Making Moves To Aid Rockford IceHogs

By Sean Fitzgerald |

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 18: Chicago Blackhawks center David Kampf (64) looks on during the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues on March 18, 2018, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Chicago Blackhawks are making a flurry of roster moves early this week, primarily to help the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL playoffs

It is all about the Rockford IceHogs now. The Chicago Blackhawks are showcasing guys for next season, while the ‘Hogs are in the midst of a playoff push.

The ‘Hogs are 7-1-1-1 in their last 10 games. The Chicago Blackhawks are making roster moves to aid the Rockford IceHogs’ in their playoff push.

Now before people start thinking crazy like the ‘Hawks are going to send down Patrick Kane or something, the ‘Hawks can only send down players who are eligible for the ‘Hogs’ playoff roster. Kane would not be eligible to play in the AHL playoffs. Players must be on an AHL roster before the NHL trade deadline to eligible for the AHL playoffs.

Blackhawks make trio of moves

Matthew Highmore was reassigned to Rockford today. He was the first move the ‘Hawks made to help out Rockford.

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As stated in a previous post, the IceHogs are in the midst of a playoff push, as they currently sit in fourth place in the AHL’s Central Division. By adding Highmore back to their lineup, it gives the ‘Hogs more offensive potential. Highmore had 35 points during his tenure with the IceHogs this season before being recalled by the Blackhawks.

The second move was waiving Jean-Francois Berube. By waiving Berube, he will be eligible to play with the Rockford IceHogs once the Blackhawks’ season ends. This is not any indication of Corey Crawford‘s status. His status remains status quo, which he is not playing.

The third move thus far has been David Kampf being reassigned to Rockford. Kampf played 30 games with the IceHogs before being recalled by the Blackhawks. He had 16 points in Rockford this season and 11 with the ‘Hawks.

Do not be surprised if Andreas Martinsen joins the IceHogs at some point also. He is up on an emergency call-up with the ‘Hawks. He appeared in 61 games with the ‘Hogs because his recall. He had 26 points in 61 games this season.

The ‘Hawks will be replacing Highmore and Kampf with recently signed Blake Hillman and Dylan Sikura on the NHL roster. The ‘Hawks will be burning the first years of both Hillman and Sikura’s entry-level contracts to play this season. This seems to be common practice for college athletes.

Next: IceHogs Are More Exciting Than Blackhawks

The Blackhawks’ next game is Thursday against Winnipeg. Their last game of the season is April 7, while the AHL regular season ends April 15.

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