Blackhawks News: Hardman recalled, Mitchell sent down to Rockford

The Chicago Blackhawks made a few roster moves on Monday morning the team announced. The Blackhawks have sent Ian Mitchell down to the Rockford IceHogs while recalling Mike Hardman in the process.

The Blackhawks roster moves are not that big of a deal considering some of the other moves that might need to be made around this team. Losing the first three games of the season might be cause for some kind of reaction, at least when losing in the fashion the Hawks have, for now, Mitchell being sent down and Hardman being brought up is the only move.

Sending down Ian Mitchell should not come as a surprise.

With Erik Gustafsson being added to the roster, Mitchell only played in one game this season, with 8:23 minutes of ice time and an assist to his name, he did not play terrible, but the team now has other options and can let Mitchell spend time in the AHL playing 20 minutes a night instead of eight, a win-win.

Mitchell spent time playing with Calvin de Haan and Riley Stillman during his one game of action, and honestly, both pairings played relatively well with positive Corsi numbers. With Mitchell still being so young, giving him time to develop just makes the most sense, plus with Caleb Jones and Wyatt Kalynuk, out with injuries., both expected to play this season, Mitchell was not going to be on this roster long term.

Now on to the addition: Mike Hardman

Hardman had a goal and an assist the last time he played in the league last season across eight games. Now he probably won’t be getting into the game against the Islanders on Tuesday, but I guess anything can happen. Hardman played great so far with Rockford and left an impression on the Hawks who are desperate right now after a bad start.

Now, if Hardman does get a start ahead of Strome then that should be a destined sign that he is not going to be here much longer. I still think the Hawks should put Strome in the lineup next game, but Hardman definitely would provide a physical side that can help amp up the fourth line with guys like Entwistle and Gaudette.

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