The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have recalled goaltender Lars Johansson from the American Hockey League's Rockford IceHogs and assigned forward Nick Schmaltz to Rockford.
Johansson, 29, has registered a 6-7-1 record in 16 games with one shutout, a 2.63 goals-against average and .911 save percentage. The Avesta, Sweden, native made his AHL debut on Oct. 14 at Cleveland; he registered his first AHL win on Oct. 21 at Grand Rapids. Johansson spent the previous three seasons with Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League, posting a 56-27-0 record with 11 shutouts in 93 games. During the 2015-16 season, he recorded a league-leading 1.74 GAA alongside a save percentage of .927 while going 27-6-0. Johansson picked up league honors for Goalie of the Year last season as Frolunda captured the league championship. In 10 playoff games last season, Johansson recorded a 1.27 GAA with a save percentage of .934. Johansson also played professionally in Sweden's Allsvenskan league with Mora IK (2008-11) and VIK Vasteras HK (2011-13).
Schmaltz, 20, has collected four points (1G, 3A) in 26 games with the Blackhawks this season. Schmaltz made his National Hockey League debut on Oct. 12 vs. St. Louis and notched his first career NHL goal three games later against Nashville on Oct. 15. The Verona, Wis., native was selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (20th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Blackhawks recall Johansson, assign Schmaltz
