A story from the website Swiss Hockey News was released this afternoon stating that former Blackhawks fourth liners Tommy Wingels and Lance Bouma had signed to play with Geneve-Servette HC of the Swiss National League. There was speculation that after the Blackhawks traded Wingels to the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline for a conditional 2019 fifth round draft pick, he may return to Chicago as a free agent.
The 30-year-old Evanston native had 12 points (7G, 5A) and 43 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Blackhawks, last season. He signed a one-year deal the previous July to come play for his home town team.
Lance Bouma signed with the Blackhawks the previous July, as well, but ended up finishing the season with the Rockford Icehogs once players like Andreas Martinsen emerged as viable options in the Blackhawks lineup. The 28-year-old former Calgary Flames cast-off had 9 points (3G,6A) with the Blackhawks before being sent to Rockford.
Bouma played 33 games (20 regular season, and 13 playoffs) with the Icehogs, collecting 16 points (8G, 8A) and 26 penalty minutes. His locker room leadership helped lead the Rockford club to a conference final appearance, where they ultimately lost to the Texas Stars.