The Blackhawks announced earlier today that they had extended 6’3″ 229 lbs Andreas Martinsen for the 2018-19 season, agreeing to a one-year contract. The 27-year-old Norwegian left-wing was acquired from the Canadiens at the beginning of the season for forward Kyle Baun.
He made his impression in Rockford early on, becoming an alternate captain for Jeremy Colliton’s young Icehogs team and getting some premium ice time with the Hogs top two scoring lines. He was recalled by the Blackhawks on March 20th and played nine games for the team, scoring a goal in a 4-3 Blackhawks win vs the Blues.
With Rockford, he played 64 regular season and 13 playoff games. He scored 14 goals and added 19 assists, while piling up 94 total penalty minutes.
Martinsen is a good bet to compete for a fourth line spot on next year’s Blackhawks team. He has a rare combination of size and speed that makes him a very physical presence in the lineup that the Blackhawks sorely lack.