On Wednesday morning, the Chicago Blackhawks announced a number of roster moves between them and the Rockford IceHogs. Chicago has recalled forward Dylan Sikura and defenseman Carl Dahlstrom from the IceHogs. Additionally, the Blackhawks have assigned forward Alexandre Fortin to the IceHogs and move forward Artem Anisimov to injured reserve.
Blackhawks Recall Sikura and Dahlstrom, Assign Fortin
The writing has been on the walls as of late that the Blackhawks were in need of some sort of roster move. Trades or roster movement from within was expected and on Wednesday morning, the proverbial hammer dropped with highly touted forward Dylan Sikura and defenseman Carl Dahlstrom joining Chicago. The moves were accompanied by the reassignment of forward Alexandre Fortin.
Carl Dahlstrom of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)
For Dahlstrom, this marks his return to the Blackhawks roster after making his NHL debut last season. In 11 games with Chicago last season, Dahlstrom recorded three assists and was a -2, averaging 17:31 of ice-time. An AHL All-Star last season, Dahlstrom has one goal and seven assists in 22 games with the IceHogs this season. At 6-foot-4, 230-pounds, Dahlstrom provides size and defensive-mindedness on the back-end, while being able to move with and without the puck well for his size.
Dylan Sikura of the Rockford IceHogs. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)
The key figure from Wednesday’s move is Sikura. A sixth-round draft pick in 2014, Sikura joined the Blackhawks late last season after finishing four years at Northeastern and being named a Hobey Baker Finalist in his Senior season. The winger made his NHL with Chicago in late March and tallied three assists in five games, averaging 13:24 minutes of ice-time per game. This season, Sikura is leading the IceHogs in points with 18 (9 goals, 9 assists) in 26 games and ranks tied for fifth in rookie AHL scoring. Sikura is an offensive-driver at the AHL and will hope to provide a bit of speed and playmaking ability to the Blackhawks lineup.
Alexandre Fortin of the Chicago Blackhawks at the Traverse City Rookie Tournament. (Courtesy: Rockford IceHogs)
Coming back to Rockford is forward Alexandre Fortin. He began the season with the IceHogs, playing in the first two contests of the year before making his NHL debut with Chicago in October. In 24 games with the Blackhawks this season, Fortin has six points (3 goals, 3 assists) and was averaging 10:35 minutes of ice-time per game. Fortin’s greatest strength is his speed, but lacks a high-end finishing ability. The hope can be that Fortin uses some time with Rockford to regain his confidence and come back to the Blackhawks at some point a more complete player.
What’s Next?
For the Blackhawks, they host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night at the United Center 24 hours after losing their eighth game-in-a row in regulation, a 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Chicago has lost 19 of their last 22 games.
For the IceHogs, they return to action on Friday as they travel to Grand Rapids to face the Grand Rapids Griffins. Following that, they have back-to-back home games on Saturday and Sunday, first against the Texas Stars on Saturday and then the Griffins on Sunday.