Blackhawks send G Cristobal Huet to Swiss team

CHICAGO (AP) - The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks have parted with goalie Cristobal Huet, assigning him to HC Fribourg-Gotteron SA of the Swiss National League A.

Chicago also assigned forwards Evan Brophey and Jeff Taffe to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League on Monday.

Huet, who signed a four-year, $22.45 million contract in July 2008, lost his starting job last season to Antti Niemi. The Blackhawks will still have to pay Huet his $5.6 million annual salary, but that won't count against the salary cap.

Niemi signed with the San Jose Sharks in the offseason after veteran Marty Turco signed with the Blackhawks.