BLACKHAWKS TRADE ABBOTT, CARRICK TO DUCKS

Chicago, Ill. – The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have acquired forward Kenton Helgesen and a seventh-round pick in the 2019 National Hockey League Draft from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forwards Spencer Abbott and Sam Carrick. Additionally, the IceHogs have recalled forward Tyler Barnes from their ECHL affiliate, the Indy Fuel.

Abbott, 28, leads the IceHogs with 35 points (15g, 20a) in 53 games. He appeared in one game with the Blackhawks this season and made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 5, 2013. The Hamilton, Ontario native represented the IceHogs at the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic, helping the Central Division to a second consecutive All-Star Challenge championship. Overall, Abbott has posted 183 points (64g, 119a) in 240 career AHL games across five seasons (2011-15, 2016-17). He spent the 2015-16 season in the Swedish Hockey League with the league-champion Frolunda Indians where he notched 14 goals and 21 assists in 42 games.

Carrick, 25, ranked second on Rockford in scoring with 28 points (11g, 17a) in 57 appearances. He has skated in 19 career NHL games—all with the Toronto Maple Leafs—scoring one goal and tallying one assist. In 249 career AHL games, Carrick has 52g-76a-128pts. He was originally selected by Toronto in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Barnes, 27, has played in 22 games for the IceHogs this season, posting 4g-3a-7pts. A native of Burnsville, Mich., Barnes has also skated at a point-per-game pace in the ECHL with the Fuel, scoring 15 points (5g, 10a) in 15 games in Indy. He has competed in 33 games in the AHL among San Antonio, Grand Rapids, Bridgeport, and Rockford, recording 8g-3a-11pts.

Helgesen, 22, has tallied three goals and 10 assists in 38 games during his second season with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. In two seasons, the Grand Prairie, Alberta, native has registered 18 points (5g, 13a) in 69 career games. Prior to turning pro, Helgesen spent four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL, compiling 130 points in 266 contests. Helgesen was originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the seventh round (187th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.

Next Home Game: Friday, March 3 vs. Manitoba Moose at 7 p.m. The IceHogs host the Moose for the sixth meeting between the two teams this season. The first 1,000 fans 21 and over will receive an IceHogs grill spatula, compliments of Bud Light. Friday is also a Blues Flame Friday with doors opening at the Blue Flame Lounge at 5:30. Fans can enjoy drink specials and free appetizers before the game.