Blackhawks Sign Defenseman Petiot to One-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced that they have signed defenseman Richard Petiot to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Petiot was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2009 trade deadline by the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for goaltender Olaf Kolzig, defensemen Jamie Heward and Andy Rogers, and a fourth round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. The move was done so the Lightning could dump some salary. In 11 games last season with the Lightning, Petiot scored three assists. He also appeared in 46 games with the Norfolk Admirals and Toronto Marlies of the AHL, scoring three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. This is merely a depth move for the Blackhawks, as they already have their defense set for next season. Petiot will likely spend most of the season in the minors unless injuries begin to mount for the Blackhawks.