Blackhawks place Kris Versteeg on LTIR, recall Dennis Rasmussen from Rockford

The Chicago Blackhawks made a pair of moves Sunday in anticipation of their lengthy road trip to start the second half of the season. Veteran forward Kris Versteeg was placed in long-term injured reserve due to his hand injury, and rookie Dennis Rasmussen was called up from AHL Rockford to take his place on the roster.

Versteeg injured his hand during the Winter Classic on New Year's Day, and has been sidelined ever since. The 'Hawks held out on placing him on LTIR until last weekend, when the combination of Daniel Carcillo's suspension and an upcoming trip across the West made it necessary to get another body on the roster.

That body will come in the form of Rasmussen, who could potentially make his NHL debut this week if Joel Quenneville decides to give him playing time. Originally signed as a free agent in June 2014, the Swedish forward had spent the previously three years playing in his native country.

This season, the 24-year-old Rasmussen has recorded 16 points (8G, 8A) in 44 games with the IceHogs this season. His eight goals are third on the team.