The Chicago Blackhawks made a significant move today, completing a two-player transaction that sees defenseman Filip Roos recalled from their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. This roster adjustment comes with a corresponding move, as veteran blueliner Nikita Zaitsev has been placed on the team's non-roster list due to personal reasons.
Filip Roos, a 24-year-old undrafted defenseman from Sweden, signed with the Blackhawks in the summer of 2022, transitioning from Skellefteå AIK and the SHL. In his inaugural season in North America, Roos showcased his skills in both the AHL and NHL, participating in 17 games for the Blackhawks and 39 for the IceHogs.
In the current season, Roos has been a force in Rockford, tallying four points in 10 games. With the absence of Nikita Zaitsev, Roos finds himself in contention with Isaak Phillips for the newly opened lineup spot. The battle for this position adds an element of competition to the Blackhawks' defensive roster.
The vacant slot in head coach Luke Richardson's lineup, left by Zaitsev, is situated on the team's third pairing. Roos will have the opportunity to make an impact alongside 21-year-old Wyatt Kaiser, a University of Minnesota-Duluth product. As Roos steps up to fill this role, Blackhawks fans will be eager to see how the young defenseman contributes to the team's defensive prowess in the games to come.
