On Wednesday morning, following an 8-6 loss against the Detroit Red Wings in the first preseason game at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks made another round of training camp roster cuts, sending Matthew Highmore, Alexandre Fortin, and Victor Ejdsell to the Rockford IceHogs.
The trio of forwards skated as the Blackhawks’ fourth-line in Tuesday night’s loss to the Red Wings and return to the IceHogs, having all finished last season with Rockford in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
IceHogs Add Firepower As Blackhawks Make Roster Cuts
Head Coach Jeremy Colliton and the IceHogs are getting a welcomed gift of offensive firepower from Chicago after the most recent round of training camp cuts. All three forwards make up some of the more promising prospects in the Blackhawks’ system.
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 23: Alexandre Fortin #84 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a preseason game at the United Center on September 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks 3-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
This marks Alexandre Fortin’s second extended stay with the Blackhawks during training camp in his third go-around with the team in September. This preseason, Fortin showed off his speed again, creating chances offensively but still showing that his game needs to fully round out.
Not far from an NHL opportunity, Fortin returns to the IceHogs for his second season after playing in 53 games and tallying 21 points (4 G, 17 A) as a rookie last year. A fully healthy Fortin figures to be in the Top-Six forward mix for the IceHogs.
Mar 15, 2018; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Matthew Highmore (36) skates behind the Winnipeg Jets net during the third period at Bell MTS Place. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Highmore continues to progress as a professional on and off the ice. He played in 13 games last season with the Blackhawks, playing on the wing, even though his natural position is at Center. He came into this Summer playing primarily wing again, but was used at Center against the Red Wings between Fortin and Ejdsell.
Tallying a goal in his final preseason appearance for the Blackhawks, Highmore brings an all-around game to the table and has the ability to play in all facets of a game, powerplay, penalty-kill, wing or center, Highmore can plug-in and play. He returns to the IceHogs after setting the AHL Franchise rookie record for goals (24) and finishing second in points (43), he will likely be the Top-Line Center for the IceHogs to start the season.
Sep 18, 2018; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Victor Ejdsell (17) looks to pass against Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dillion Simpson (79) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Finally, the more surprising, but at the same time not so surprising roster cut of Victor Ejdsell. Coming into training camp, Ejdsell was penciled in by most (including myself) to be in the Blackhawks’ top-nine forwards group. His performance at the end of last season, mixed with his work in the Traverse City Rookie Tournament gave him a boost over the Summer. But his development through training camp appears to have plateaued at the moment and other players have surpassed his play as camp moved along.
Still, with less than 25 games in North America under his belt, Ejdsell has a lot more to learn about playing in the NHL and the AHL. He will no doubt be in the Top-Line mix for the IceHogs, and if he can build on the production he found in the Calder Cup Playoffs last season (12 points in 13 games) he will no doubt find his way back to Chicago soon enough.
What’s Next?
Rockford’s training camp continues on as the IceHogs host their Fan Fest on Friday, September 28, which will showcase an inter-squad scrimmage. Rockford opens their 20th professional regular season on the road against the Cleveland Monsters on Friday, October 5.
The home-opener is slated for Saturday, October 13 as they host the team that ended their season last year in the Calder Cup Western Conference Finals, the Texas Stars.