The Chicago Blackhawks used the 111th pick in the 2013 draft to select Robin Norell, a relatively undersized defenseman from Sweden who had performed well on the international stage. After several seasons in the Blackhawks minor league system without a chance at the NHL, the team today announced that Norell has been loaned back to Djurgarden IF of the SHL for the upcoming season. 2018-19 is the final year of Norell’s three-year entry-level contract, after which he’ll become a restricted free agent that will need a qualifying offer from Chicago to stay in the organization.
Now 23, Norell never did develop much of an offensive game and recorded just seven points in 63 games last season for the Rockford IceHogs. The promise he showed as a potential two-way NHL defenseman has likely vanished, and at this point it wouldn’t be surprising to see him stay in Sweden or another European league for the rest of his career. It’s unfortunate, given the Blackhawks investment in him the last few years, but with several other high profile defenders needing defined roles in the organization over the next few seasons, he was likely going to get lost in the shuffle anyway.
Chicago could technically recall Norell during the season from the SHL, but it seem as though the two sides are heading towards the end of their relationship. There’s a chance he receives a qualifying offer next summer in order for the Blackhawks to retain his rights, but given that he will likely be eligible for arbitration he could find himself an unrestricted free agent instead.