The Chicago Blackhawks have cut nine players from training camp, the team announced Monday. There are now 20 forwards, 10 defensemen and three goaltenders remaining on the team’s active roster.
Young defensemen Ville Pokka and Erik Gustafsson are the two biggest names to get cut from the NHL roster. They’ve been assigned to AHL Rockford along with Luke Johnson, Tanner Kero, Martin Lundberg, Robin Norell and Lars Johansson. Additionally, forwards Chris DeSousa and Jake Dowell were released from their tryout contracts.
The moves appear to solidify the Hawks’ defensive corps beyond the slim chance that Gustav Forsling cracks the roster.