Ivan Nalimov is coming to America.
The Blackhawks goaltending prospect signed a professional tryout contract with the Rockford IceHogs on Saturday to play the remainder of the season in the AHL.
Nalimov has played the past six seasons in the KHL in his native Russia. The 25-year-old was 7-14-1 with a 2.50 goals-against average, .911 save percentage and two shutouts in 24 games with HK Sochi this past season before he became a free agent. He was 58-62-14 with a 2.62 GAA and .912 save percentage in 152 KHL games with Admiral Vladivostok, Sibir Novosibirsk, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, Kunlun Red Star, Avangard Omsk and Sochi. The Blackhawks selected Nalimov with in the sixth round (No. 179 overall) in the 2014 NHL draft.
With Kevin Lankinen out four-to-five months while recovering from left shoulder surgery, Nalimov gives Rockford head coach Derek King and Blackhawks goalie development coach Peter Aubry a three-goalie rotation again. Collin Delia and Matt Tomkins, both of whom are signed for two more years on NHL contracts, have been with Rockford all season long aside from the latter’s brief stint with the Canadian national team at the Spengler Cup.
The IceHogs are one point ahead of the San Antonio Rampage (Blues) and Chicago Wolves (Golden Knights) for the fourth and final Calder Cup playoff spot for the Central Division with 14 regular-season games remaining.