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Adam Gajan and Lucian Bernát headline the latest wave of roster cuts as NHL training camps narrow down prospect pools, with the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks reassigning their young talents to minor league and junior affiliates, according to official league transactions reported in September 2026.
Adam Gajan Assigned to Rockford IceHogs in Professional Pivot
Goaltender Adam Gajan is shifting to the professional ranks as the Chicago Blackhawks assigned him to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League (AHL), according to official club movement tracking. The team drafted Gajan in the second round, 35th overall, during the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. During the 2025/26 season, Gajan competed in the NCAA, where he posted a .908 save percentage across 33 appearances. He also represented Slovakia at the World Championships in Switzerland, seeing action in two contests.
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The move marks a definitive step into North American professional hockey for the Slovak netminder. Goaltending depth charts in the NHL remain fiercely competitive, and Gajan enters a crowded organizational pipeline in Chicago. According to league transaction logs, the Blackhawks reassigned nine total players to Rockford on the same day, including defensemen Jake Furlong and Taige Harding, alongside forwards Gavin Hayes and Samuel Savoie.
Did you know? Adam Gajan earned a silver medal with Slovakia at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships before being drafted into the NHL by Chicago in 2023.
Vancouver Canucks Dispatch Lucian Bernát to OHL
Forward Lucian Bernát is heading to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) after the Vancouver Canucks assigned him to the Owen Sound Attack, according to roster disclosures from September 2026. The Canucks originally selected Bernát in the sixth round, 176th overall, at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The young forward captured a silver medal playing for Slovakia at the home Under-18 World Championships, contributing four points (one goal and three assists) in seven matches.
Last season, Bernát suited up for Tappara’s junior squad. Alongside Bernát’s reassignment to major junior hockey, the Canucks streamlined their organizational depth by assigning 10 players to their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks. That group features goaltenders Aku Koskenvuo and Ty Young, alongside skaters Vilmer Alriksson, Gabriel Chiarot, and Gavin White.
NHL Preseason Roster Cut Tracking
| Player | Position | NHL Organization | New Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Gajan | Goaltender | Chicago Blackhawks | Rockford IceHogs (AHL) |
| Lucian Bernát | Forward | Vancouver Canucks | Owen Sound Attack (OHL) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Chicago Blackhawks draft Adam Gajan?
The Chicago Blackhawks selected Adam Gajan in the second round (35th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
https://x.com/NHL_Rosters/status/2102120215710712237
Where will Lucian Bernát play for the upcoming season?
According to Vancouver Canucks roster updates, Lucian Bernát has been assigned to the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL.
How many players did the Vancouver Canucks assign to Abbotsford?
The Canucks assigned 10 players to their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, including goaltenders Aku Koskenvuo and Ty Young.
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