Chicago Blackhawks sign Ryan Potulny
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed unrestricted free agent Ryan Potulny to a one-year contract.
Potulny, 26, had a career season in 2010 with the Edmonton Oilers, appearing in 64 games and recording 15 goals and 17 points. His goal total tied him for third most goals on the hockey club.
Potulny also spent time in the American Hockey League last year with the Springfield Falcons. In 14 games with the Falcons he collected three goals and five assists.
Potulny’s deal with the Blackhawks is a two-way deal, paying him $500,000 for the NHL portion of the contract and $105,000 if he is assigned to the AHL.
The Philadelphia Flyers selected Potulny in the third round of the 2003 NHL entry draft. Following the draft he spent three years at the University of Minnesota. During his career as a Golden Gopher he recorded 68 goals and 50 assists. In his final year at Minnesota he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, which is presented to the NCAA’s top hockey player.
Since turning professional during the 2006 season Potulny has split his time between the NHL and the AHL. He has played for the Flyers and Oilers in the NHL. In the AHL he has spent time with the Philadelphia Phantoms and the Springfield Falcons.
Potulny spent two years in Philadelphia and was traded to the Edmonton Oilers after the 2008 season in exchange for Danny Syvret. His one-year deal with the Oilers expired at the end of the 2010 season and he was free to sign with any NHL team.
The scouting report on the forward praise him for his great hands and scoring ability. Potulny is a flexible player and can play either centre or wing. It is expected that he will compete for ice time on the third or fourth line for the Blackhawks.
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