After an off day Sunday, the Chicago Blackhawks returned to the ice for practice to kick off a new week. However, forward Mike Hardman did not join the team for Monday's session as he deals with a groin injury.
The Blackhawks signed Hardman out of Boston College in March 2021 and extended him through the 2023-24 campaign.
Hardman has five points (one goal, four assists) in 29 NHL games across parts of two seasons. In 2021-22, he split time between the Blackhawks (21 games) and the Rockford IceHogs (43 games). The 23-year-old had two assists at the NHL level and 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) with the AHL club.
As the Chicago Blackhawks enter a rebuilding season, several forward spots will be up for grabs. If Mike Hardman can get healthy, he will have an opportunity to compete for bottom-six time in 2022-23.
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