Blackhawks sign Barker, take care of business

July 6, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

With a potential nightmare created by the investigation into recent qualifying offers for some of their key players, the Blackhawks acted quickly re-signing six including defenseman Cam Barker to a three-year, $9.25 million deal.

That also included re-signing Troy Brouwer, Corey Crawford, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser and Aaron Johnson. So, most of the depth has been retained including energizers Brouwer and enforcer Eager. Crawford likely will backup Cristobal Huet in net while Fraser and Johnson provide more depth up front and on the blueline.

Excluded was Calder second runner-up Kris Versteeg, who finished with 53 points in his first full season in the Windy City. He also had a solid postseason adding four goals and eight assists helping the club reach the Conference Finals. Does this mean the talented 23 year-old forward is the odd man out? If so, expect him to get scooped up quick.

As for the investigation, it was completed yesterday with an NHLPA response coming per TSN’s Darren Dreger.

Regardless, the Hawks took care of business. Though losing Versteeg could hurt even if Marian Hossa wears the Blackhawk logo for the next dozen years.