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Rockford IceHogs Sign a Familiar Face to A One-Year Deal

Originally posted on Chicago Hockey Now | By Nate Brown | Last updated 8/10/23

Anders Bjork is back but in a bit of a different capacity as he was in 2023-24. Bjork signed a one-year deal with the Rockford IceHogs, bringing him back to the organization. Last season, Bjork put up eight points (2-6) in 13 games with the Blackhawks last year following a trade from the Buffalo Sabres. He had played most of his games with Buffalo’s AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, prior to the trade.

NEWS: Hogs Sign Anders Bjork to AHL Contract

Welcome to the Stateline, Anders!

— Rockford IceHogs (@goicehogs) August 10, 2023

Where Does Bjork Fit In?

With the Blackhawks moving out a long and potentially arduous rebuild, it’s more likely that younger players will be eased into the lineup. Bjork is still only 27 and actually had respectable numbers. But after not qualifying him prior to free agency, it was evident that he wasn’t in the team’s long term plans.

Bjork is a left wing and finished up last season in Chicago. While Lukas Reichel will likely be full time this season with Chicago, Bjork will help with organizational depth as well as nudging some of the younger talent along.

Rockford Rap

Center Luke Philp is lost for the season after Achilles surgery and is expected out for six months per a release from the IceHogs. The 27-year old winger had 53 points (29-24) in 60 games last season for Rockford.
The team will also be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a commemorative patch as well as specially designed jersey.
Rockford also inked forward Colin Bilek to a one-year AHL deal last week.

Editor’s Note: Bjork was mistakingly listed as a defenseman. The story has been updated correctly. I regret the error.

This article first appeared on Chicago Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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