The Chicago Blackhawks have loaned defenseman David Rundblad to ZSC Lions of National League A in Switzerland, the team announced Sunday morning.
The 25-year-old was assigned to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL after clearing waivers Dec. 30. By sending him to the AHL the Hawks saved $950,000 in salary cap space. $100,000 of his $1.05 million will still count against the cap, according to CapFriendly.
Rundblad’s $100,000 cap hit is the same whether he’s in the AHL or a European professional league. He would have to pass through waivers again for the Hawks to terminate his contract.
Rundblad was a healthy scratch for 28 of the Hawks’ first 37 games this season. He had two assists in nine games this season for the Hawks. He signed a two-year contract extension worth $1.05 million in June after recording three goals and 14 points in 49 games last season. He played in two Stanley Cup Final games in the spring to get his name on the Cup.
Rundblad was the first-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2009 before being traded to the Ottawa Senators for a draft pick that would become forward Vladimir Tarasenko.
Zurich is currently in first place in the Swiss League thanks to the play of likely top overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Auston Matthews.