Blackhawks Assign Highmore, Fortin, Ejdsell to IceHogs

  

On Wednesday morning, following an 8-6 loss against the Detroit Red Wings in the first preseason game at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks made another round of training camp roster cuts, sending Matthew Highmore, Alexandre Fortin, and Victor Ejdsell to the Rockford IceHogs.

The trio of forwards skated as the Blackhawks’ fourth-line in Tuesday night’s loss to the Red Wings and return to the IceHogs, having all finished last season with Rockford in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

IceHogs Add Firepower As Blackhawks Make Roster Cuts

Head Coach Jeremy Colliton and the IceHogs are getting a welcomed gift of offensive firepower from Chicago after the most recent round of training camp cuts. All three forwards make up some of the more promising prospects in the Blackhawks’ system.

Alexandre Fortin

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 23: Alexandre Fortin #84 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a preseason game at the United Center on September 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

This marks Alexandre Fortin’s second extended stay with the Blackhawks during training camp in his third go-around with the team in September. This preseason, Fortin showed off his speed again, creating chances offensively but still showing that his game needs to fully round out.

Not far from an NHL opportunity, Fortin returns to the IceHogs for his second season after playing in 53 games and tallying 21 points (4 G, 17 A) as a rookie last year. A fully healthy Fortin figures to be in the Top-Six forward mix for the IceHogs.

Matthew Highmore

Mar 15, 2018; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Matthew Highmore (36) skates behind the Winnipeg Jets net during the third period at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Highmore continues to progress as a professional on and off the ice. He played in 13 games last season with the Blackhawks, playing on the wing, even though his natural position is at Center. He came into this Summer playing primarily wing again, but was used at Center against the Red Wings between Fortin and Ejdsell.

Tallying a goal in his final preseason appearance for the Blackhawks, Highmore brings an all-around game to the table and has the ability to play in all facets of a game, powerplay, penalty-kill, wing or center, Highmore can plug-in and play. He returns to the IceHogs after setting the AHL Franchise rookie record for goals (24) and finishing second in points (43), he will likely be the Top-Line Center for the IceHogs to start the season.

Victor Ejdsell

Sep 18, 2018; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Victor Ejdsell (17) looks to pass against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dillion Simpson (79) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, the more surprising, but at the same time not so surprising roster cut of Victor Ejdsell. Coming into training camp, Ejdsell was penciled in by most (including myself) to be in the Blackhawks’ top-nine forwards group. His performance at the end of last season, mixed with his work in the Traverse City Rookie Tournament gave him a boost over the Summer. But his development through training camp appears to have plateaued at the moment and other players have surpassed his play as camp moved along.

Still, with less than 25 games in North America under his belt, Ejdsell has a lot more to learn about playing in the NHL and the AHL. He will no doubt be in the Top-Line mix for the IceHogs, and if he can build on the production he found in the Calder Cup Playoffs last season (12 points in 13 games) he will no doubt find his way back to Chicago soon enough.

What’s Next?

Rockford’s training camp continues on as the IceHogs host their Fan Fest on Friday, September 28, which will showcase an inter-squad scrimmage. Rockford opens their 20th professional regular season on the road against the Cleveland Monsters on Friday, October 5.

The home-opener is slated for Saturday, October 13 as they host the team that ended their season last year in the Calder Cup Western Conference Finals, the Texas Stars.

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Center Ice Forums Blackhawks Assign Highmore, Fortin, Ejdsell to IceHogs

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  • #8827
    Mario Tirabassi
    Participant

    On Wednesday morning, following an 8-6 loss against the Detroit Red Wings in the first preseason game at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks mad
    [To continue reading full article, click here: Blackhawks Assign Highmore, Fortin, Ejdsell to IceHogs]

    #8831
    Under Qs moustache
    Participant

    Ejdsell needs to go to Rockford and learn how to skate. He showed multiple times last night that he can’t skate with the NHL talent. He may one day and hopefully in a year or more he will be able to take the rest of his talents to the show.

    Kunitz? I’d give Highmore a shot over this has been. He’s the future, the other a mistake signing with a NTC.

    Fortin needs to fill out. the kid has speed and can stick handle. Getting stronger will go a long was as the tools are there.

     

    #8839
    Brian
    Participant

    Fortin’s speed is very impressive and will be a big weapon as he develops the rest of his game, look forward to seeing him round out his game. Ejdsell looks slow at the NHL level. So perhaps it’s a matter of getting more comfortable with the North American game and time in Rockford should help that. Clearly he is not ready for the speed it takes to make the jump yet, a little disappointing but we’ll see. Totally agree that Kunitz looks like a lost signing and he is taking ice from a kid like Highmore who looks like he could handle the game and develop while here. Saad has not looked good, which is really difficult to watch especially after last season. Kahun looks good and seems to be what Toews has needed with him so far. If given the chance I think those 2 will be solid togethet and get better together as time moves on. Who knows with Q though and his impatience. Overall there are some nice young parts in the system, it’s to bad this core is nearing their end though and some of these other parts are a year or two away.

    #8865
    Alan Parsons
    Participant

    Kunitz has nothing left to give.  He doesnt even look like he wants to be playing hockey anymore.  No spark, no jump, no speed, no care.  Cut him.  Thank him and give him a new Ford Mustang and let him ride off into the sunset.

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