Chicago Blackhawks Farm Report: Here Come the Black Aces

The Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, closed their season Saturday night. The lockers are being cleaned out in Rockford, but for a number of players, the season isn't over quite yet.

Members of the IceHogs are currently going through their exit meetings with the front office. Some will head home for a summer of rest and offseason training. Others will be heading to Chicago, possibly as soon as this afternoon.

These players are known as 'Black Aces," a term for prospects who join their NHL club to serve as extra practice bodies. They get a taste of life in the NHL and get to work out with the team until the conclusion of the playoffs. It's usually a reward for a good season.

The Blackhawks announced today on their website that six players, including five from Rockford, are being recalled.

Last year the 'Hawks called up four players, then seven more a day or so later, so there could be additions to the Black Aces when all is said and done.

Here are my thoughts on this year's Black Aces. I'd look for the following players to be up with the 'Hawks in the next few days:

Forwards: Brandon Pirri and Jeremy Morin. In addition, Brandon Saad was recalled after his junior season in Saginaw ended when the Spirit was eliminated from the OHL playoffs.

Pirri and Morin were both up with the 'Hawks for a spell this season and were easy decisions. Pirri led the IceHogs in scoring with 56 points in 66 games.

Morin's season wasn't quite as successful from a scoring standpoint, but he really didn't have a training camp as he was still recovering from a concussion that saw him out of action for over eight months.

I am stunned that Peter LeBlanc wasn't called up. LeBlanc led the IceHogs with 24 goals and was just signed by Chicago after playing in Rockford on an AHL contract for the last two seasons—so I think he's earned it.

Kyle Beach missed 57 games this year with a shoulder injury that required surgery. He was noticeably absent from the call-ups last spring, but he showed the club something in rehabbing the shoulder and his play before and after the injury. I thought he could have been rewarded this year, if only to continue his development.

Maybe a guy like Philippe Paradis comes up if Chicago decides to expand the Black Aces. He's a hard-hitting forward that came on in the season's second half. I wouldn't be totally surprised to see recent free-agent signing Terry Broadhurst up with the 'Hawks.

Rostislav Olesz would seem to be a natural choice, as he was being paid over $3 million to play in Rockford. However, he injured his right knee in Milwaukee on April 1 and may be through skating this season.

Defensemen: Ryan Stanton and Joe Lavin

Stanton was named the IceHogs Top Defenseman in the team's awards night Saturday. Lavin was selected Rockford's Rookie Of The Year and really picked up his game in the second half.

Shawn Lalonde was a Black Ace last season, but may not have earned a nod this spring. He may be a guy that gets shopped over the summer. Other than that, I can't see any additional call-ups on the back end.

Goalie: Carter Hutton

Hutton was the IceHogs MVP, is a fan favorite and is one of the most liked guys on the team. His addition is one of the better stories in the organization this year.

When the season began, Hutton was in Toledo on an AHL deal. Eight months later, he has a NHL contract with the 'Hawks and is a Black Ace. It should shock no one who watched him play so well in Rockford...

As we speak, Alexander Salak may already be on his way back to Europe. Don't expect him back.

I don't see another goalie coming aboard. However, if the 'Hawks choose to bring up a fourth goalie, Alec Richards is the only other goalie the team has under contract, not including Cristobal Huet.

Last year, the Blackhawks had 11 Black Aces up with the organization. I understand if that number is lower this year. Players like Jimmy Hayes and Dylan Olsen, who might merit a call-up, are already with the club, as are Andrew Shaw and Brandon Bollig.

Since several prospects are already contributing in Chicago, I understand a smaller group coming from Rockford. We should find out if any other IceHogs will continue their seasons in the next few days.