Chicago Blackhawks re-sign Swedish Forward Viktor Stalberg to two-year, $1.75 million contract
After playing a single season with Chicago Blackhawks, Viktor Stalberg, has re-signed with the 2010 Stanley Cup winners to a two-year contract worth an estimated $1.75 million, on Sunday, July 10.
Drafted as the 161st overall pick during round-six of the 2006 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by Toronto Maple Leafs, Stalberg played only 40 games with his original draft team during the 2009-2010 season. During that timeframe, he registered
14 points (9 goals, 5 assists) and ended up with a plus-minus rating of -13.
By signing Stalberg to a two-year deal, Chicago Blackhawks avoided a salary arbitration hearing that was set for later this month, on July 20, since the Swedish forward still had not been signed to a deal.
Prior to his first NHL season with Toronto, Stalberg played with the University of Vermont for three consecutive seasons after being drafted. He also played 39 games with Maple Leafs affiliate American Hockey League (AHL) club, Toronto Marlies, and potted
33 points (12 goals, 21 assist).
Last season, the 25-year-old left winger, participated in 77 games and recorded a career high of 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) and a plus-minus rating of two. Stalberg also appeared in their seven game Stanley Cup stretch during the previous NHL Playoffs
and picked up a single assist, as they were eliminated by Vancouver Canucks in game-seven of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
Native of Gothenburg, Sweden, Stalberg was acquired from Toronto by Blackhawks on June 30, 2010, during the offseason, after Chicago had won the Stanley Cup.
Chicago had a tough time during the last playoffs, as they barely managed to enter the top eight in the Western Conference, only a year after winning the NHL Stanley Cup championship. Team general manager, Stan Bowman, has vowed to make a difference next
season and prove that the team can change if given a little boost.
So far, Blackhawks have made minor and major changes to their line-up, but up until now, consider this signing one of the last. They now only have a single player still remaining a restricted free agent, Chris Campoli, who also filed for an arbitration hearing,
which is scheduled for August 3.
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