BLACKHAWKS ASSIGN SIX PLAYERS TO ROCKFORD

ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Chicago Blackhawks today announced they have reassigned the following players to the American Hockey League’s Rockford IceHogs: Defensemen Lucas Carlsson, Blake Hillman and Darren Raddysh, forwards Jacob Nilsson and Nathan Noel and goaltender Kevin Lankinen.

In addition, forward Henrik Samuelsson was released from his Professional Tryout (PTO) Agreement and will report to Rockford.

Carlsson, 21, skated in the Swedish Hockey League in 2017-18 and logged a career-high 17 points (7g, 10a) in 44 games during the regular season with Brynas IF. The 6-0, 189-lbs defenseman was originally selected by Chicago in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft and won a silver medla with Brynas in 2016-17.

Gilbert, 21, helped Notre Dame to a regular-season championship and an appearance in the Frozen Four last year after collecting 10 points (4g, 6a) in 39 games with the Irish. The 6-2, 199-lbs blueliner, who was named the Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenseman in2016-17, was originally selected by Chicago in the third round (91st overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

Raddysh, 22, made his professional debut with the IceHogs last season, notching 22 points (5g, 17a) and a +10 plus/minus rating in 66 contests with Rockford in 2017-18. Prior to his pro debut, the 6-0, 200-lbs defenseman capped his tenure in the OHL by leading all league defensemen in scoring and helping the Erie Otters to an OHL championship during the 2016-17 campaign.

Nilsson, 24, skated with Mora IK of the Swedish Hockey league in 2017-18, finishing fourth on the team in scoring with 18 points (8g, 10a) in in 40 games. The 5-10, 180-lbs forward skated under current IceHogs Head Coach Jeremy Colliton with Mora IK from 2015-17 and helped the team to a league promotion during the 2016-17 campaign.

Noel, 21, split last season between Rockford and Indy, posting 11 points (4g, 7a) in 21 ECHL games and one goal in 17 AHL contests. The 5-11, 174-lbs forward was originally selected by Chicago in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft and won a QMJHL championship in 2016-17 with Saint John.

Lankinen, 23, recently completed his sixth season in the Finish Elite League with SM-liiga, where he went 10-3-2 with a career-best 1.33 GAA and .940 save percentage in 15 games with HIFK Helsinki. The 6-2, 185-lbs goaltender helped HIFK to a silver medal in 2016-17 and a bronze medal in 2017-18 during his tenure in Finland.

Samuelsson, 24, split the 2017-18 campaign between the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads and IceHogs, logging 12 points (9g, 3a) in 25 AHL games and 43 points (16g, 27a) in 49 ECHL contests. The 6-3, 219-lbs forward was originally selected 27th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2012 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut on Feb. 26, 2015 against the New York Rangers.

The IceHogs Training Camp roster now stands at 27 players (15 forwards, eight defensemen and four goaltenders).

CLICK HERE to view an updated roster.

NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, Oct. 13 vs. Texas Stars | 6 p.m.
The Rockford IceHogs will host their home opener for the 2018-19 season on Saturday, Oct. 13 against the Texas Stars at 6 p.m. at the BMO Harris Bank Center. The first 4,000 fans in attendance to Rockford’s first home game of the campaign will receive a free IceHogs calendar, courtesy of Impact Networking. Call the IceHogs front office at (815) 968-5222 or visit icehogs.com to purchase tickets.