Blackhawks continue adding proven depth with three-year deal

The Chicago Blackhawks announced their first signing of free agency, locking up Cole Smith to a three-year, $3M per year contract, per Frank Seravalli:

Smith played in the Stanley Cup Finals this last season for the Vegas Golden Knights, recording three goals and three assists for six points in 22 games in the playoffs. In the regular season, Smith put up eight goals and four assists for 12 points in 63 games.

The Blackhawks, who finished last season in 31st place, add a little extra toughness on the fourth line with Smith. That said, what can he bring to the lineup moving forward?

Cole Smith comes in a little pricy, but for good reason

On paper, the Smith contract is an overpay. $3M is a little rich for a player that's managed a career high of just 23 points four years ago. This is the second time a player has cashed in with the Blackhawks today, with Bowen Byram becoming the highest-paid defenseman in the NHL.

That said, there's a method behind Kyle Davidson's madness. Currently, the Blackhawks are flush with salary cap, with over $29M in cap space at their disposal. The only player up for a major extension is Connor Bedard, so the team is trying to reach the salary floor as quickly as possible.

At 30 years of age, it's unlikely that Smith reaches a new career high with the Blackhawks. But he can play the veteran role with some grit on the bottom line for the Hawks moving forward.

Free agency has just begun, so it's unlikely that this and the Ian Cole contract are the only moves Davidson makes this offseason. Still, adding a gritty forward is nothing if not a positive for Chicago.

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