Blackhawks Sign Defenseman Garnet Exelby to One-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed defeseman Garnet Exelby to a one-year contract and assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Rockford. He had been on a professional tryout with Rockford and served as the team's captain. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 51 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he had one goal and three assists for four points and 73 penalty minutes. In 408 career NHL games with the Atlanta Thrashers and Toronto Maple Leafs, he has seven goals and 43 assists for 50 points and 584 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Exelby will likely spend much of the season in the minors. If he does get recalled from the minors, he will provide plenty of grit and toughness to the team's blueline.