Chicago Blackhawks add momentum and experience to line-up during NHL Free Agency –Part 2
In the previous part, we discussed two of the five veteran players that Chicago Blackhawks' general manager, Stan Bowman, had signed to improve his team’s performances by awarding them a one-year contract each on Friday, day-one of the National Hockey League's
(NHL) free agency.
Signing five unrestricted free agents in one go is certainly a tough task if not given proper due time. Depending on the salary cap restrictions, GM’s must be very careful in their player recruitments.
Once it was done and over with, Bowman breathed a breath of fresh air.
"We had a very successful day", Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said after signing all five free agents. "I'm very pleased with how it all played out. This was our objective to find some players that play a certain style, also bring some experience. I
think it's a nice mixture".
Jamal Mayers
Jamal Mayers, a 36-year-old right wing player from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has played 14 seasons in the NHL. He brings added physicality to the Blackhawks' table, which it without a doubt was lacking all season long.
Having already played with Chicago's coach, Joel Quenneville, it will be much easier for Mayers to adjust right away.
"I'm very excited to be back with [coach] Joel [Quenneville]. I played with him when I started my career", Mayers said after signing his one-year, $550,000 deal. "He's obviously very familiar with what I bring to the table. I know what I'm expected to bring.
I'm looking forward to it".
The 89th overall pick in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft has played 815 NHL games with teams like St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and most recently, San Jose Sharks, with which he put up 14 points, 3 goals and 11 assists, in 78 games.
Brett McLean
Brett McLean has not played in the NHL for two seasons now, since he was taking part in the Swiss league but has decided now to make a comeback.
The 32-year-old was a Hawks' forward back during the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 seasons until moving on to Colorado and Florida.
If he makes it back onto the roster, the Comox, British Columbia native will make $525,000 next season, but according to the two-way contract, McLean can also be sent to play for the Rockford team in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Having played nine seasons in the NHL, McLean ended his major league hockey career last time with Florida Panthers as he registered 19 points, 7 goals and 12 assists, in 80 games in the 2008-2009 season.
Sean O’Donnell
The only defenseman to be signed, Sean O’Donnell will be used to provide a guiding light to Chicago’s young defenders.
His 39-year-old frame has seen a lot during his 19-season career in the NHL and will certainly be useful in teaching other players how to play with a rock-on spirit.
O’Donnell agreed to playing with a one-year, $850,000 contract with Bowman on Friday after becoming a free agent, playing for just a single year with Philadelphia Flyers in which he scored 18 points, 1 goal and 17 assists, throughout the 81 games.
His 6-foot-2 size was the most attractive feature according to Chicago, which would provide a strong blue liner during tough matches against physical teams.
Bowman has done his homework and is now ready to implement what he learned in the upcoming 2011-2012 season.
It will surely be exciting to see how these five veteran players react with a group of youngsters as they all make a run for their second Stanley Cup in two years.
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