Catching up with... Niklas Hjalmarsson

How have the Blackhawks been spending their offseason? chicagoblackhawks.com recently sat down with your favorite players to see how their summer has gone so far and discuss some of their aspirations for the 2011-12 NHL campaign. chicagoblackhawks.com caught up with defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, who scored 10 points (3G, 7A) while recording a +13 plus/minus rating in 80 regular-season games last season.

What have you been up to this summer?
Me and my girlfriend, Elina, bought a condo back home in Jonkoping, and we’ve been getting furniture in there. I’ve been working out in the mornings and hanging out with my friends and family, and I was in Croatia for a week.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the offseason?
Having a home-cooked meal. I don't get many opportunities for that during the season.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot or somewhere you’d like to go in the future?
I’d like to go to Italy.

Did you keep in touch with any of your teammates this summer?
Not a lot, just some texts here and there.

Have you been working on any skills in particular?
No specific hockey skills, just adding more power in my legs, getting more explosive, stuff like that.

What’s your personal goal for the season?
Just to have a consistent season and play at a high level.