Following a report that Swedish prospect Victor Ejdsell would join the Rockford Icehogs following his season with HV71 of the Swedish Elite League, Scott Powers of The Athletic reports that 22 year old Finnish defenseman Joni Tuulola has signed an entry level deal with the Blackhawks.
Tuulola just finished his season with Sport Vaasa in the Finnish SM-liiga, and will report to the Rockford Icehogs, as well. He finished his regular season in SM-liiga as the leading defensive point producer for his team with 7-23-30 in 58 games played. His team, however, was at the bottom of the standings and did not qualify for the playoffs.
After 3 years of development and Blackhawks prospect camps, the 6’2″ 200lbs left-handed defenseman will try to help Rockford solidify their AHL playoff hopes and try to crack the Blackhawks already crowded defensive group, next season.
Tuulola is a 2015 6th round draft pick (181st overall) of the Blackhawks.