Blackhawks sign Colin Blackwell

Along with the two already mentioned, The Blackhawks have also signed F Colin Blackwell to a 2 year contract worth $1.2M AAV. Blackwell, who spent last season with the Maple Leafs and Kraken, will bring a much needed physical presence to the bottom 6, and will add internal competition throughout the lineup. 

Blackwell, 29, has 138 games of NHL experience with 25 goals and 27 assists for 52 points. He was picked up by Seattle for their inaugural season, and was traded with Mark Giordano to the Leafs. In 58 games last season, Blackwell put up 10 gold and 10 assists for 20 points. 

Blackwell played for Harvard University (NCAA) between 2011 and 2016, playing in 94 games and putting up 58 points. He has also played 187 games in the AHL in time spent between the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators organizations, where he put up 105 points. 

This is a really solid signing for the Blackhawks for a couple of reasons. First off, it’s a cheap deal that is very moveable if it doesn’t workout. Second, Blackwell is a competitor and he will likely be pushing for a spot in the lineup every night, which will be good for our depth, and younger guys trying to earn full time opportunities. 

At 5’9, 190 pounds, Blackwell brings a speedy, gritty aspect to the lineup. I’ve mentioned time and time again that the Blackhawks need to add some grit if they don’t want to look like a complete dumpster fire this season, and that’s exactly what they’re doing. I really like this signing with the position the team is in right now, and I think Blackwell could stick around as a Hawk for a few years if he meshes well with the locker room.