Blackhawks sign son of former NHL coach to contract, strengthening team's legacy

In a strategic move to strengthen their lineup, the Rockford IceHogs have announced the re-signing of forward Ryan Gagnier and defenseman D.J. King for an additional year.

This decision follows a season where both players proved their worth and potential within the organization's ranks.

Ryan Gagnier, a promising young forward, notably scored his inaugural AHL goal last season while playing with the IceHogs and also demonstrated his prowess with the Indy Fuel in the ECHL, where he amassed an impressive 28 points across 53 games.

Reflecting on Gagnier's performance, Mark Bernard, the General Manager of the IceHogs, shared his satisfaction with the young player's progress.

On the defensive end, D.J. King, 23, has also made a significant impact. Last season, King spent the majority of his time with the Indy Fuel, where he contributed 11 points in 57 games.

His contributions were vital, and Bernard expressed enthusiasm for King's continued development with the team.

King's career trajectory has been closely watched, especially given his familial ties to hockey�his father, Derek King, a former coach for the IceHogs, now lends his expertise to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Entering his fourth professional season, King brings experience from his time in the OHL and with the U.S. National Team Development Program, positioning him as a key player for the IceHogs' future strategies.

The commitment to retaining both Gagnier and King underscores the IceHogs' focus on developing talent and maintaining a robust team dynamic.

As the new season approaches, fans and team management alike are eager to see how these young stars will contribute to the team's ambitions in the AHL.