Defenseman Joni Tuulola has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, according to a source.

Tuulola, 22, was drafted by the Blackhawks in the sixth round in 2015. He is 6-foot-3, 181 pounds and a left-handed shot.

Tuulola is expected to join the Rockford IceHogs for the remainder of the season.

Tuulola put up career numbers in Finland’s Liiga this season and finished ninth among defensemen with 30 points. He had seven goals and 23 assists in 58 games this season. He had eight points in 54 games the previous season.

Tuulola’s offensive surge was helped by changing teams in the offseason. He left HPK and joined Sport this season.

“I feel like I needed a bigger role,” Tuulola said earlier in the season. “When I spoke to Tomek [Valtonen], our coach, he said he can give me a chance for a top-3 D. That was an easy decision for me. I think I get much, much more ice time. My role is different. Last season I played much penalty kill. Now I’m on the power play. I think the difference comes there.”

Tuulola has worked to emulate how the Blackhawks like their defensemen to play.

“I try to do those things that the Blackhawks do,” Tuulola previously said. “I feel like I’m doing good in those things — how I move the puck, how I help the other D, the other forwards.”

The Blackhawks have several left-handed defensemen who could play in Rockford next season. In addition to Tuulola, left-handed shots Gustav Forsling, Carl Dahlstrom and Robin Norell are signed for next season. The Blackhawks may sign left-handed shot defenseman prospects Dennis Gilbert and Blake Hillman when their college seasons end.

(Top photo: Scott Powers/The Athletic)