Blackhawks Re-Sign Goaltender Toivonen, Defenseman Cullimore

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Hannu Toivonen and defenseman Jassen Cullimore to one-year contracts. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed. Toivonen was acquired by the Blackhawks on March 1 from St. Louis along with Danny Richmond in exchange for goaltender Joe Fallon and defenseman Daryl Boyle. Cullimore signed as a free agent with the team in February. These are really just depth signings for the team, although, given Chicago's salary cap issues, it actually wouldn't surprise me if both players were able to secure roles on the team next season as long as their salaries aren't expensive, which I imagine they shouldn't be.

Blackhawks Sign Free Agent Defenseman Cullimore

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed free agent defenseman Jassen Cullimore. The exact length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but he has likely been signed through the rest of the season. The Blackhawks then assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Rockford. This will be his second stint with the team. In 68 games with the Florida Panthers last season, Cullimore scored two goals and eight assists for 10 points and 37 penalty minutes. In 776 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers, he has 26 goals and 77 assists for 103 points and 696 penalty minutes. He won a Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Lightning. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks. Cullimore gives the team a big, physical, defensive blueliner with plenty of experience for the playoff run. He will likely spend most of the rest of the season in the minors unless the team suffers an injury on defense.

Panthers Sign Cullimore to One-Year Contract

The Florida Panthers announced on Tuesday that they have signed defenseman Jassen Cullimore to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Cullimore attended the Panthers' training camp this year on a tryout basis. Last season, Cullimore scored three goals and added 10 assists for 13 points and 38 penalty minutes in 65 games with the Florida Panthers. Cullimore was also an impressive +21 last season, a career best for him. He has played in 708 NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Chicago Blackhawks, while winning a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004. Cullimore will provide plenty of veteran depth and toughness on the Panthers' blueline. With injuries to Bryan McCabe, Bryan Allen, and Cory Murphy leaving the Panther's defense a bit thin, the addition of Cullimore will help the Panthers remain a competitive team in the Southeast Division.