NHL free agency opened on Sunday, and the Chicago Blackhawks have already made a trio of signings to add to their team next season.
The worst kept secret of the bunch was the contract for goaltender Cam Ward, who was linked to the Blackhawks almost as soon as the free agent negotiation window opened last week. Ward, who went 23-14-4 with a .906 save percentage and a 2.73 goals against average for the Carolina Hurricanes last season, has signed a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Blackhawks, according to multiple reports.
Ward’s contract also comes with a no-trade clause, according to reports.
The Blackhawks have also signed winger Chris Kunitz to a one-year contract. Kunitz, who will turn 39 later this year, had 13 goals and 16 assists in 82 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, and spent a big chunk of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning three Stanley Cups with the squad.
Finally, the Blackhawks inked defenseman Brandon Manning to a two-year contract. Manning, who has appeared in 207 career NHL games, had seven goals and 12 assists last season for the Philadelphia Flyers, both of which were career highs.
