Forward David Gust has signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks and has been recalled from the Rockford IceHogs. (Photo provided by Rockford IceHogs)
From news release
Rock River Current
Get our Newsletter

ROCKFORD — Rockford IceHogs forward David Gust has been called up to the Chicago Blackhawks after signing a two-year contract with the team, the Blackhawks announced Thursday.

Gust’s contract runs through the 2023-24 season. The salary cap hit for his contract is $762,500.

Gust, who turned 29 Tuesday, was previously on a one-year AHL contract with the IceHogs. He’s expected to join the Blackhawks in San Jose on Saturday, when he could make his NHL debut.

More sports: A history of highlights: Boone County museum opens new sports exhibit

Gust played in 51 games with the IceHogs this season and set career highs in goals (24), assists (26) and points (50). His season totals for goals and points are highs on the team, and he’s tied for second in assists.

Gust also represented Rockford at the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic in Laval, Quebec.

Gust is an Orland Park native who played 303 regular season AHL games split between the Bakersfield Condors (2017-19), Charlotte Checkers (2019-20), Chicago Wolves (2020-22), and Rockford IceHogs (2022-23). He compiled 84 goals and 94 assists in that time.

More sports: Why now? Behind the Rockford Speedway’s decision to run its final season

He also made two trips to the Calder Cup Playoffs, tallying 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 28 postseason games. He won the 2022 Calder Cup with the Wolves, tallying 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 18 postseason games.

The IceHogs are back at the BMO Center at 7 p.m. Saturday to take on the Iowa Wild. The first 2,500 fans get a Hammy bobblehead as part of a promotion celebrating the mascot’s birthday.