Blackhawks Re-Sign Smtih, Bollig, Hutton

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Monday that they have re-signed center Ben Smith and left wing Ben Bollig to two-year contracts and goaltender Carter Hutton to a one-year contract.  The financial terms of all three deals were not disclosed.  All three players would have been eligible for restricted free agency on July 1.  In 13 games last season with the Blackhawks, Smith had two goals.  He also appeared in 38 games with Rockford of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points.  Bollig had 58 penalty minutes and was held pointless in 18 games with the Blackhawks.  He also played in 53 games with Rockford, scoring three goals and six assists for nine points and 163 penalty minutes.  Hutton posted a 22-13-4 record, three shutouts, a 2.40 GAA, and a .917 save percentage.  He also appeared in 14 games with Toledo of the ECHL, posting a 7-7-0 record, with a 3.15 GAA, and a .900 save percentage.  He has yet to appear in an NHL game.

These aren't bad depth moves for the Blackhawks.  Smith brings some two-way upside and versatility to the forward lines, while Bollig adds plenty of toughness and grit to the checking lines.  Hutton will likely spend almost all of next season in the minors, where he will bring plenty of goaltending skill to Rockford.

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.

Blackhawks Sign Jamal Mayers to One-Year Extension

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have re-signed center Jamal Mayers to a one-year contract worth $650,000.  He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer.  In 81 games this past season, he had six goals and nine assists for 15 points and 91 penalty minutes.  This is a fairly solid depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Mayers is a big, tough forward who won't back down from a challenge.  He plays with lots of grit, toughness, and energy and is decent on the penalty kill.  He doesn't have a lot of offensive ability, so he will likely continue to play a checking line role with the team in 2012-13.

NY Rangers Acquire John Scott from Blackhawks

The New York Rangers have announced that they have acquired defenseman John Scott from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. In 29 games so far this season, he has one assist and 48 penalty minutes. A depth move at best for the Rangers, Scott will add some grit, toughness, and great size to their defense. His playing time in Chicago was dwindling, so Chicago did him a favor by moving him to a team that will likely get more use out of him. Also, the Blackhawks did good in landing a fifth round pick for the rugged defenseman and impending free agent.

Blackhawks Acquire Johnny Oduya from Jets

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have acquired defenseman Johnny Oduya from the Winnipeg Jets for a second and a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. In 63 games so far this season, he has two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. The Blackhawks were desperate for some defensive depth and they got it in Oduya. He's a very mobile defenseman who can play a shutdown role and can add some grit to his game when needed. Chicago paid a steep price to land him, but they needed to add some defensive depth to their struggling blueline. As for the Jets, Oduya had pretty much been replaced when they plucked Grant Clitsome off waivers earlier in the day. While Clitsome isn't as good as Oduya, the acquisition of the draft picks made it a great move for Winnipeg.

Blackhawks Sign Goaltender Carter Hutton to One-Year Deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Friday that they have signed goaltender Carter Hutton to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He played last season with San Jose's AHL affiliate in Worcester and actually backed up Antti Niemi for about a month when Antero Niittymaki was out of action, but never appeared in an NHL game. Hutton has a 10-8-2 record this season with Rockford of the AHL, posting a 2.93 GAA and a .902 save percentage. This is nothing more than a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Hutton will likely spend the remainder of the season in the minors.

Lightning Acquire Brandon Segal from Blackhawks

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Tuesday that they have acquired right wing Brandon Segal from the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. Those future considerations were later revealed to be AHL center Matt Fornataro. In 53 games this season with Rockford of the AHL, Segal has 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points and 63 penalty minutes. He last appeared in the NHL during the 2010-11 season with the Dallas Stars. Fornataro, who is currently on an AHL contract, has five goals and 20 assists for 25 points in 46 games with Norfolk of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. After trading Steve Downie to the Colorado Avalanche earlier in the day, the Lightning were lacking some grit on the wing and they have added that in Segal. If he doesn't see any time with the Lightning, he will be a solid addition to their AHL affiliate in Norfolk. As for the Blackhawks, Fornataro will remain in Rockford for the remainder of the season.

Blackhawks Acquire Brendan Morrison from Flames

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have acquired center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Brian Connelly. In 28 games this season with the Flames, Morrison has four goals and seven assists for 11 points. Connelly has five goals and 31 assists for 36 points in 44 games with Rockford of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad move for the Blackhawks, as Morrison will bring plenty of depth up the middle for the team. He also adds some playmaking and faceoff skills to the forward lines. As for the Flames, they land a defensive asset in Connelly, but he is a long shot to make the team at this time. For now, he will provide plenty of offensive skill to the blueline of their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.

Senators Acquire Rob Klinkhammer from Blackhawks

The Ottawa Senators announced today that they have acquired left wing Rob Klinkhammer from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He will join Ottawa's AHL affiliate in Binghamton. In 18 games this season with Rockford of the AHL, he has two goals and four assists for six points. He has appeared in only one NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2010-11 season. This is nothing more than a depth move for the Senators, as Klinkhammer will likely spend the entire 2011-12 season in the minors.

Blackhawks Sign Ray Emery to One-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed goaltender Ray Emery to a one-year contract worth $600,000. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. In 10 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, Emery posted a 7-2-0 record, with a 2.28 GAA and a .926 save percentage. He missed the majority of the 2010-11 season with a career-threatening hip injury, but was able to battle back from the condition and sign with the Ducks. Not a bad depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Emery has good size, is a solid goaltender, and will bring the team plenty of veteran depth in goal. Despite struggling a bit in the preseason and being outplayed by Alexander Salak, he was able to earn a contract with Chicago and will likely play as the backup to Corey Crawford. If Emery should struggle this season, he will more than likely be sent to the minors and be replaced with Salak.

Blackhawks Sign Brandon Segal to One-Year Contract

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have signed right wing Brandon Segal to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 46 games last season with the Dallas Stars, he had five goals and five assists for 10 points. He also appeared in 30 games with Texas of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as Segal will likely spend much of next season in the minors. If he does see any time in the NHL, it will be as an injury replacement.

Blackhawks Sign Patrick Sharp to Five-Year Extension

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed center Patrick Sharp to a five-year contract extension worth $29.5 million. The deal will average out to $5.9 million per season when it kicks in for the 2012-13 season. He has one more year left on his current contract and would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer. In 74 games last season, he had 34 goals and 37 assists for 71 points. This is a great signing for the Blackhawks, as Sharp brings a lot of offensive skill and depth to the team. He has excellent goal-scoring skill, is good on the penalty kill, and is versatile enough to play on the wing. He will continue to be an important part of the team's second line throughout the duration of the new contract.

Blackhawks Sign Brett McLean to One-Year Deal

NOTE
He should not be confused with Brett MacLean, who re-signed with the Phoenix Coyotes on July 19, 2011.

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed free agent left wing Brett Mclean to a one-year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 50 games last season with Bern of the Swiss League, he had 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points. He last played in the NHL during the 2008-09 season with the Florida Panthers. This is really just a depth signing for the Blackhawks, as McLean will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp. If he makes the team, he will bring some playmaking ability to the third and fourth lines. Although, it won't surprise me if he plays much of next season in the minors.

Blackhawks Sign Jamal Mayers, Sean O'Donnell, Andre Brunette, Daniel Carcillo

The Chicago Blackhawks added a slew of new players on the first day of free agency by signing right wing Jamal Mayers, defenseman Sean O'Donnell, left wing Andrew Brunette, and left wing Daniel Carcillo to one-year contracts. Mayers' deal will pay him $550,000, O'Donnell will get $850,000, Brunette will be paid $2 million, and Carcillo will make $775,000. In 78 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, Mayers had three goals and 11 assists for 14 points and 124 penalty minutes, while Brunette had 18 goals and 28 assists for 46 points in all 82 games with the Minnesota Wild. O'Donnell appeared in 81 games with the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring one goal and 17 assists for 18 points and 87 penalty minutes, while Carcillo had four goals and two assists for six points and 127 penalty minutes in 57 games with the Flyers. These are decent depth signings for the Blackhawks, as they have become a much more physical team with these players. Mayers and Carcillo bring lots of grit and toughness to the checking lines, while O'Donnell provides lots of veteran depth and toughness to their blueline. Brunette brings plenty of playmaking skill and offensive depth to the wing, as well as a little leadership. All four players should be decent additions to the team next season.

Blackhawks Sign Steve Montador to Four-Year Contract

Just one day after acquiring the negotiating rights to defenseman Steve Montador from the Buffalo Sabres, the Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed the 31-year-old blueliner to a four-year contract worth $11 million. The deal will average out to $2.75 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 73 games last season with the Buffalo Sabres, he had five goals and 21 assists for 26 points and 83 penalty minutes. This is a decent signing for the Blackhawks, as Montador will bring plenty of grit and toughness to the team. He will also bring some offensive skill to the blueline, which will help fill the void that was created when the Blackhawks shipped Brian Campbell to the Florida Panthers on June 24.

Blackhawks Acquire Montador from Sabres

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Wednesday evening that they have acquired the negotiating rights to defenseman Steve Montador from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2012 or 2013 Entry Draft. The year of the pick is likely conditional on the Blackhawks getting Montador signed to a contract or not. He will be eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1. In 73 games last season, he had five goals and 21 assists for 26 points and 83 penalty minutes. Assuming the Blackhawks can get Montador under contract before he becomes a free agent, this is a decent move for the team. He will bring plenty of grit and toughness to the blueline, as well as some offensive skill. If Chicago can get him signed, he should be a good fit for the team.

Panthers Acquire Tomas Kopecky from Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers announced on Monday that they have acquired the negotiating rights to right wing Tomas Kopecky from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2012 or 2013 Entry Draft. The Panthers' seventh round pick in the 2012 draft is currently held by the Nashville Predators as a conditional pick. If the Predators don't meet the conditions for the pick, the Blackhawks will receive it. Otherwise, Chicago will get Florida's seventh round pick in 2013. Kopecky is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games last season with the Blackhawks, he had 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points. Not a bad trade for the Panthers, assuming they can sign Kopecky to a contract. If Florida can get him signed, he will bring plenty of two-way skill and grit to the forward lines, as well as a little offensive depth.

Blackhawks Send Brian Campbell to Panthers for Rostislav Olesz

The Chicago Blackhawks announced late Friday evening that they have traded defenseman Brian Campbell to the Florida Panthers in exchange for left wing Rostislav Olesz. In 65 games last season with the Blackhawks, Campbell had five goals and 22 assists for 27 points. He missed 17 games last season due to injuries. In 44 games last season with the Panthers, Olesz had six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. He missed 17 games early in the 2010-11 season with a broken finger and the last 21 games of the season with a knee injury. In the end, this is a trade that works for both teams. The Panthers get a puck-moving defenseman in Campbell who also has some offensive skill. His hefty salary will also help the team reach the salary cap floor for the 2011-12 season. For the Blackhawks, ridding themselves of Campbell's contract will help them gain some salary cap space to re-sign some free agents. However, Olesz has an expensive contract as well, but not as steep as Campbell's. Olesz does bring some two-way skill to Chicago, and perhaps may be able to elevate his offensive game in a new location.

Capitals Acquire Troy Brouwer from Blackhawks

The Washington Capitals announced on Friday evening that they have acquired right wing Troy Brouwer from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for their first round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Chicago then used that pick to draft left wing Phillip Danault. In 79 games last season, Brouwer had 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. Not a bad move for the Capitals, as Brouwer will bring plenty of offensive depth to the team on either the second or third line. He also has good size and plays with plenty of grit. As for the Blackhawks, they were likely clearing a little bit of salary to help re-sign some impending free agents this summer, as well as some who will be free agents next summer. Danault basically plays the same style of hockey as Brouwer, so he should be a successful second or third line forward for the Blackhawks down the road.

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.