Former Chicago Blackhawks winger Kris Versteeg and the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs are parting ways, the team announced Sunday.
Versteeg, who was named the IceHogs’ captain after signing a tryout contract with the Blackhawks prior to the 2019-20 season, appeared in six games this season, registering one assist and two penalty minutes.
Versteeg was a member of the Blackhawks’ 2010 Stanley Cup championship team, and although he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs prior to the 2010-11 campaign, he returned to the Blackhawks in 2013, scoring 14 goals and dishing out 20 assists during their championship-winning 2014-15 season.
In all, Versteeg has scored 149 goals in 643 NHL games.
In an emotional statement, Versteeg thanked the Blackhawks' organization and its fans for their support during his career.
"This organization gave me everything that I have today, and for this I am grateful," he said. "I would like to thank all members of the Blackhawks and IceHogs organizations from top to bottom, and most importantly, the great fans of Chicago and Rockford."
Versteeg did not elaborate on his plans now that he's been released.
