BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN KARLSSON TO ROCKFORD

Chicago, Ill.-The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired goaltender Henrik Karlsson (HEHN-rihk, KARL-suhn) from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a seventh- round draft pick in the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft (previously acquired from the Ottawa Senators). In addition, Karlsson has been assigned to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs.

Karlsson, 29, has appeared in 26 regular-season games with the Calgary Flames over parts of two seasons (2010-11, 2011-12), posting a 5-9-8 record with a 2.79 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. The Stockholm, Sweden, native has not appeared in any contests this season after splitting the 2011-12 campaign with the Calgary Flames and the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat. He appeared in nine games with Calgary last season (1-4-2; 3.17 GAA; .900 SV %) and four with Abbotsford (2-2-0; 2.26 GAA; .903 SV%).

Karlsson made his North American debut with Calgary in 2010-11 after starting his professional career in the Swedish Elite League. He was originally signed by the San Jose Sharks on Aug. 12, 2009, before being traded to Calgary on June 25, 2010.
The Blackhawks acquired the seventh-round draft pick used in this transaction from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Rob Klinkhammer on Dec. 2, 2011.

Next Home Game: Friday, Jan. 25 vs. Chicago Wolves. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Rockford and Chicago meet in an Illinois Lottery Cup matchup at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 2,500 fans to the game will pick up an IceHogs fleece blanket courtesy of OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.