Blackhawks Sign Johnny Oduya to Three-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Tuesday that they have signed defenseman Johnny Oduya to a three-year contract extension worth $10.125 million.  The deal will average out to $3.375 million per season.  He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer.  He was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets on February 27 in exchange for a second and third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft.  In 81 games this past season with Winnipeg and Chicago, he had three goals and 15 assists for 18 points.  This is an okay signing for the Blackhawks, as Oduya has some mobility and shutdown skill.  However, almost $3.5 million is a bit much for a defenseman who turns over the puck a little too much and will likely play a third-pairing role on the team.  The Blackhawks probably could have found a much better alternative on the free agent market this summer.