Blackhawks Sign Goaltender Alexander Salak to Two-Year Deal

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed goaltender Alexander Salak to a two-year, one-way contract. The deal will pay him $600,000 per season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. Since the deal is one-way, Salak will more than likely be the heavy favorite to backup Corey Crawford in goal for the 2011-12 season. Salak was acquired by the Blackhawks on February 9 from the Florida Panthers along with Michael Frolik in exchange for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman, and David Pacan. In 32 games this past season with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League, he posted an impressive 1.97 GAA, a .926 save percentage, and seven shutouts. Not a bad depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Salak has been decent in European leagues and has plenty of upside. He has good size and can play a very heavy workload. With his skill level and potential, it wouldn't surprise me if he ends up splitting the goaltending duties with Crawford by the second year of his contract.