Blackhawks Sign Free Agent Center Ryan Potulny

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday night that they have signed center Ryan Potulny to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $500,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. In 64 games last season with the Edmonton Oilers, he had 15 goals and 17 assists for 32 points. He also appeared in 14 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring three goals and five assists for eight points. Not a bad signing for the Blackhawks, as Potulny made some strides in his development last season. He has some goal-scoring skill at lower levels and was able to bring some of that talent to the NHL with 15 goals as a checking line forward. He could be used on third or fourth line by the Blackhawks this coming season as a depth forward if he makes the team at training camp.