On Tuesday morning, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Anton Forsberg cleared waivers and was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Forsberg is expected to report to the IceHogs ahead of Rockford’s game on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Rampage.
Anton Forsberg Clears Waivers, Creates Odd Situation For The Organization
The Blackhakws placed Anton Forsberg on waivers Monday morning as a result of Corey Crawford returning to health and making his way back into the rotation in net with Cam Ward. The 25-year old Forsberg is 11-24-4 in his NHL career with a 3.21 GAA and a 0.901 save-percentage in parts of four season with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks.
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Forsberg, who did not get into a game with the Blackhawks so far this season, has a career 1.95 GAA and 0.931 save-percentage at the AHL level in four seasons with the Springfield Falcons and Lake Erie/Cleveland Monsters. Forsberg also backstopped the Monsters on their way to winning the 2016 Calder Cup.
The assignment of Forsberg to the IceHogs creates a log-jam in net in Rockford. Kevin Lankinen and Collin Delia have split the first six games of the season so far for the IceHogs. Lankinen made two starts for Rockford, going 0-1-1 with a 3.39 GAA and a 0.825 save-percentage, while Delia has a 3-1-0 record with a 3.26 GAA and a 0.910 save-percentage.
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 20: Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche scores on goalie Anton Forsberg #31 of the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at the United Center on March 20, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
The positive to the move to send Forsberg to Rockford is that he stays in the system, the negative is that the assignment’s trickle-down affects Delia as the Rockford starter and Lankinen as the backup. Most likely, Lankinen will now be moved down to the Indy Fuel of the ECHL and thus create another jam in the organization.
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Minor-league goalie depth is not a bad thing, i.e. last season for Rockford with Jeff Glass, J.F. Berube, and Delia, but the moves necessary to be made interrupt rhythm and flow of the day-to-day for the goaltenders.
Blackhawks Recall Luke Johnson
As a corresponding move after Forsberg cleared waivers, the Chicago Blackhawks recalled Luke Johnson back to the NHL. Johnson had previously be re-assigned to Rockford last week and played in both games over the weekend against the Tucson Roadrunners.
Blackhawks recall Luke Johnson and assign Anton Forsberg to Rockford.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) October 23, 2018
Johnson tallied two points in the two games he played with the IceHogs before returning to the Blackhawks roster.
What’s Next?
For the Blackhawks, a home game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night at the United Center. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm CT.
For the IceHogs, a Wednesday night home game against the San Antonio Rampage at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm CT.