Chicago Blackhawks reassigned defenseman David Rundblad to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League on Wednesday, the team announced.
Rundblad, 25, cleared waivers Tuesday, and by sending him to the AHL the Hawks save $950,000 in salary cap space. $100,000 of his $1.05 million will still count against the cap, according to CapFriendly.
Rundblad has 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. He averaged less than 13 minutes of ice time per game.
Earlier in the day there were reports that he ‘could play in Europe.’ Prior to coming over to the NHL in 2010, Rundblad played for Skelleftea AIK in his native Sweden. Rundblad had 12 goals and 61 assists in four seasons with Skelleftea AIK.
Fellow Swedish defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who was recalled Monday, will take his spot. The 23-year-old registered an assist in the Hawks’ 7-5 win over the Coyotes on Tuesday. Prior to his most recent call up, he had three assists and a 64.2 percent Corsi at even strength in six games with the Hawks this season. He’s been great for Rockford, too, with 11 points (three goals and eight assists) in 27 games.