The Chicago Blackhawks recalled defenseman Gustav Forsling from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League on Wednesday.
Forsling, 20, scored two goals and five points in 36 games with Chicago before he was sent down to Rockford. Since joining the IceHogs, the Swedish blue liner has recorded a goal and eight points in 30 games.
The move likely points to some time off for veteran defenseman Brian Campbell and/or Brent Seabrook before the Stanley Cup playoffs start. Niklas Hjalmarsson didn’t make the team’s three-game road trip to be with his wife for the birth of their child, which means he could realistically miss the final two regular-season games (Thursday at Anaheim and Saturday at Los Angeles). Michal Kempny drew into the lineup against Colorado on Tuesday, and now Forsling along with Michal Rozsival will be available to give Campbell and/or Seabrook rest before the playoffs begin.
Chicago returns to action Thursday when they visit the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center.