Photo credit: TVA Sports
Blackhawks re-sign veteran Brandon Baddock, bolstering Rockford IceHogs’ roster.
The Chicago Blackhawks have officially re-signed Brandon Baddock, the rugged winger who has become a staple in their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
At 29, Baddock, who has consistently displayed leadership qualities, will continue to serve as the Alternate Captain, a role he held through 63 games last season.
Known for his physicality on the ice, Baddock’s contributions extend beyond scoring, as evidenced by his 111 penalty minutes (PIMs) last season, ranking him 19th across the AHL and leading the IceHogs.
This imposing record, combined with his 6’3″, 223-pound frame, underscores his role as a crucial “character guy” in the locker room. His formidable presence earned him the “Heavy Hitter” accolade at the 2023-2024 team awards, celebrating his impact in games.
« We are excited to have Brandon back with our group,” remarked IceHogs Head Coach Anders Sorensen. His leadership both on and off the ice is an asset to both our younger players and our staff.
Brandon is a pro with a competitive nature and a team-first mentality, and those are both things we value as an organization. »
Over his AHL career, Baddock has tallied 55 points (21 goals, 34 assists) across 386 games, with stints at the Binghamton Devils, Iowa Wild, Laval Rocket, and the Rockford IceHogs.
His most notable season included leading the AHL with 154 PIMs. As he gears up for his eighth season in the AHL, the Alberta native’s experience and grit continue to make him an invaluable asset to the IceHogs.
Baddock’s NHL experience is limited but notable, with a single game appearance for the Montreal Canadiens in December 2021. He also spent time with the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder during the 2016-17 season.
His junior career was marked by significant achievements, including logging a massive 480 PIMs and scoring 103 points (54 goals, 49 assists) over 255 games with the Edmonton Oil Kings, culminating in a WHL championship in 2014.
This signing underscores the Blackhawks’ strategy of nurturing experienced, impactful players within their system, leveraging Baddock’s robust style and leadership to enhance the developmental environment for their prospects.
As Baddock prepares for another year with Rockford, his role as a mentor and enforcer will be pivotal in the IceHogs’ pursuit of success in the upcoming season.