The Blackhawks have given defenseman Ville Pokka a qualifying offer, according to a source.
Pokka, 23, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. The Blackhawks acquired Pokka from the New York Islanders as part of the Nick Leddy trade in 2014.
Pokka has been one of the Blackhawks’ top defensemen for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL the past two seasons, but he’s been unable to get a chance in the NHL. He had 10 goals and 35 assists in 76 games for the IceHogs in the 2015-16 season and six goals and 24 assists in 76 games for the IceHogs last season.