The Chicago Blackhawks are interested in re-signing restricted free agent defenseman David Rundblad, general manager Stan Bowman said Wednesday.
Rundblad, 24, had three goals and 11 assists and averaged 12:48 of ice time in 49 regular-season games and averaged 7:29 of ice time in five playoff games. He was acquired by the Blackhawks in a trade with the Arizona Coyotes for a second-round draft pick in March of 2014. He had a cap hit of $875,000 this past season.
“I think David has shown nice progress the time we’ve had him here,” Bowman said on a conference call Wednesday. “Last season he came in late, he didn’t get much ice time. This year he played around 50-some-odd game and got some playoff experience as well. I think he’s looking to build on that, play a bigger role.”
Rundblad played a larger role for the Blackhawks during the regular season this past season, but coach Joel Quenneville moved away from him during the playoffs. Rundblad was a healthy scratch in 18 playoff games and played less than six minutes in two playoff games.
Bowman believes Rundblad is capable of more going forward.
“Again, I think a big part for defensemen is just confidence and getting familiar with the NHL,” Bowman said. “He certainly did that this year. We like what he brings to the table. I think there’s more to give there for him. I think he can expand his role, and I know it would be nice to see him get an opportunity to contribute leading into next year.”
The Blackhawks are expected to have some turnover in their defensemen next season. Johnny Oduya and Michal Rozsival are unrestricted free agents and might not return. The Blackhawks will bring back Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Brent Seabrook and Trevor van Riemsdyk. Blackhawks prospects Stephen Johns, Mike Paliotta and Ville Pokka could also be in the mix for spots in the NHL next season.