The Icehogs are adding more depth by bringing back veteran d-man Austin Strand on a one-year AHL contract. Via Tony Androckitis on Twitter:
Austin Strand, 27, brings a versatile, veteran presence that will be extremely valuable to a younger Icehogs blue line. He originally came to the Hogs via a trade last year with Chicago that saw Zach Jordan head to the Wolves in return for Strand. Strand had 10 points in 38 games for Rockford last season.
This brings an important piece to the IceHogs blueline for the fact that there is buzz that Blackhawks' 2nd Overall Pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft Artyom Levshunov, could very well be coming to the state-line next season. Strand could help guide the youngster through his first pro season in the AHL.
Strand, Undrafted, spent four AHL seasons with the Ontario Reign, the LA Kings affiliate. He cracked the Kings roster for 21 games over the four years in California. Following LA, he spent one season with the Anaheim Ducks and their AHL affiliate the Icehogs rivals, San Diego Gulls. Following that run, last season he started with the Chicago Wolves before being sent over to Rockford putting up some of the best numbers of his pro career.
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