The Chicago Blackhawks have signed goaltender Cam Ward, winger Chris Kunitz and defenseman Brandon Manning. Ward and Kunitz each signed one-year deals. Ward’s agreement is worth $3 million. Manning got a two-year deal. In signing Ward, Chicago grabbed a veteran goalie on the first day of free agency after Corey Crawford missed most of last season with an upper-body injury. The Blackhawks think Crawford will be ready for training camp, but upgrading their situation in net was one of their top priorities after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-08 season.
The Red Wings’ rebuilding process has some age to it following the signings of 34-year-old winger Thomas Vanek and 29-year-old goaltender Jonathan Bernier, along with the re-signing of 32-year-old defenseman Mike Green. Vanek signed a $3 million, one-year deal, Bernier got $3 million per season on a three-year deal and Green will make $5.375 million annually over the next two years.
