The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled touted prospect Marko Dano from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, while reassigning veteran Bryan Bickell to AHL Rockford, the team announced Monday.
Bickell was placed on waivers just before the start of the season, a confirmation of reports in the summer that Chicago was trying to trade him. After he cleared waivers the team kept him on the roster and he said he was using the incident for motivation, but he hasn’t been particularly productive this season with no points through seven games while averaging 11:32 minutes per game.
Dano came to Chicago as a key part of the huge summer trade that sent Brandon Saad to the ailing Columbus Blue Jackets.
Playing for Rockford, Dano ranks second on the team in points with a goal and six assists through nine games. He sits just behind rookie Tanner Kero who is already up with the NHL club.
#Blackhawks recall forward Marko Dano from the @goicehogs and assign forward Bryan Bickell to Rockford. https://t.co/Ti9eQSHqYZ
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) November 2, 2015
Even with his contract buried in the AHL, Bickell will cost Chicago $3.05 million against the salary cap. He has two years remaining on a deal that pays him $4 million per season.
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Dustin Nelson is the News Editor for The Hockey Writers. He’s a contributor to Hockey Prospectus, Hockey Wilderness, and writes a column for Rotowire. He’s also written for Gone Puck Wild, Wild Xtra, InDigest, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Tiny Mix Tapes, Prefix Magazine & other publications. Have a tip? Email him at dlukenelson[at]gmail[dot]com.
