Joakim Nordstrom will join the Checkers this weekend as the Carolina Hurricanes have assigned the forward to Charlotte on a conditioning stint.
Nordstrom is returning from a injury, sustained while blocking a shot in the Hurricanes' home opener, that has sidelined him for the last nine games. He has resumed practicing with Carolina as a full participant, but has yet to be re-entered into the lineup.
The 23-year-old Swede was acquired by the Hurricanes this offseason as a part of the trade that netted Kris Versteeg from Chicago, as well as sending former Checker Dennis Robertson to the Blackhawks. Nordstrom has spent parts of the last two seasons in the AHL with Rockford, putting up 49 points (26g, 23a) in 81 games for the IceHogs.
The conditioning stint will allow Nordstrom to work his way back into game situations with the Checkers without having to pass through waivers as he would if he were simply assigned to Charlotte. His addition, along with Justin Shugg's return from his injury, gives the Checkers several options at forward heading into this weekend's matchup with Manitoba.
