Chicago Blackhawks Sign Fernando Pisani
The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have signed forward Fernando Pisani to a one-year deal worth $500,000. Pisani, who was formerly of the Edmonton Oilers, was claimed as an unrestricted free agent.
Pisani was drafted by Edmonton 195th overall in the 8th round of the 1996 National Hockey League entry draft.
The Alberta native spent his first three season splitting time between the Oilers and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. Pisani was granted a full time roster spot in 2005-06, playing in 80 games and notching 18 goals and 37 points. Pisani spent seven seasons in Edmonton before he was allowed to walk as a free agent after last season.
Pisani signed a one-way contract and is therefore likely to start the season with the Blackhawks, instead of with their AHL club the Rockford Ice Hogs.
Pisani is a big body and is not afraid to go to the front of the net. He showed the ability to score early in his career. However, with limited playing time due to injury, he has not been able to produce the numbers he was once capable of.
Expect Pisani to slot in on the Blackhawks third line. His inexpensive contract makes him a prime candidate to make the roster out of training camp. Chicago is still under a cap crunch and currently find themselves almost four million over the NHL’s imposed limit, and still have work to do. Because of his salary Pisani is expected to take the place of some more promising youngsters, who have a higher cap hit, with the possibilities of bonuses.
Many believe that Pisani is still able to be a strong, contributing member of an NHL club, but will need to stay healthy in order to do so.
Last season with the Oilers Pisani registered a mere four goals and four assists, for eight points, in just 40 games.
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