Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reports the Chicago Blackhawks have signed defenseman Alec Martinez to a one-year, $4MM contract. Additionally — the team has also agreed to terms with goaltender Laurent Brossoit on a two-year, $6.6MM contract, forward Craig Smith on a one-year, $1MM contract, and forward Pat Maroon on a one-year, $1.3MM contract. And while they didn’t qualify him yesterday, winger Joey Anderson is sticking around in Chicago. He’s inking a two-year deal with an $800K cap hit, The Athletic’s Scott Powers reports.
The Blackhawks had quite a few dollars to throw around today and this grouping of players doesn’t even represent all of the organization’s signings today. Chicago has taken a major step forward in their rebuild with these moves, as they’ve grabbed arguably the best goaltender available on the market in addition to two veteran talents with Stanley Cup pedigree. Martinez and Maroon have combined for six Stanley Cup rings throughout their careers and will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to Chicago’s lineup.
Martinez recently wrapped up a four-and-a-half season run with the Vegas Golden Knights while he saw his spot on the depth chart slowly deteriorate. After scoring 32 points in 53 games during the 2020-21 season, Martinez fell to 17 points in 59 games this past year while seeing his ice time drop by nearly three minutes on average. Due to the moves Vegas made on their blue line, Martinez’s time with the organization unceremoniously ended.
In terms of production, Maroon and Smith bring similar power to the roster. Both individuals play with a physical edge while Smith can be counted on for more goals. Factoring in the retention of Anderson on a two-year deal, the Blackhawks bottom-six will be significantly harder to play against than just a season ago.
Finishing up with Brossoit, Chicago brings in some help behind Petr Mrazek. Seeking a larger opportunity outside of a backup role, Brossoit should be set to share the net with Mrazek instead of operating behind a more talented netminder. After winning a Stanley Cup Championship with the Vegas Golden Knights, Brossoit returned to the Winnipeg Jets on a one-year deal in which he would produce a 15-5-2 record in 22 games while posting a .927 SV% and 2.00 GAA.
its ok with me
The Central division is going to be top notch next season.
Maroon? Really? I still see him making gorilla actions at Sam Bennett trying to goad him into a fight when he had a broken hand like he was going to fall for that. Is that what we need? Broissoit is better than Soderblom so I guess I can’t complain and he fills the need. Martinez is solid I guess and the Hawks are better for sure. Lose Maroon and I’m a happy camper. We don’t need guys who make gorilla faces to infect young players. Was just hoping for a different G. We’ll see how it works out. At least we have protection for Mrazek.
Davidson is trying to lock up the market on 36+ year old players. Seniors league, here we come.
They have nobody over 36. What are you even talking about? Make sense or just stop. Except Foligno and he’s well worth it.
Martinez is 36
Maroon is 36
Smith is 24
34***
I don’t think that there will ever be a day where we don’t have to explain what a rebuild is to mouthbreathers…
Sad fact.
With that being said, these moves are perfect considering the stage that the Hawks are at in the aforementioned process.
As Sam Elliott said in Roadhouse- Egggzactly Right.
Maroon will spend more time in the Press Box than on the ice I’m hoping. I don’t see what we need him for at all.
Maroon is fun to have on your team, “making gorilla faces” relax saint mike, sometimes people make faces
I like the additions. Unsure of Maroon unless he’s specifically here to provide protection for Connor.
Let’s not forget we have Taylor Hall coming back, I have to think he’s motivated to have a big year and prove he’s not finished.
And MyNHLRumors is reporting that Tuevo is about to sign also. WoW
We may get a sniff at the playoffs next year!
Exactly how is Maroon supposed to be protecting Bedard? So you’re saying he’s playing on the 1st line? As for the ages they aren’t signed for more than 2 years so who cares. This isn’t the Cubs where they sign FA’s to long term contracts that will block prospects when they’re ready. Any of these guys can easily be traded or dropped at the deadline with no long term implications. The longest contract on the books right now is Bertuzzi for 4 years. Hall is the biggest expense but only for 1 more year. Any of the vets they have can be moved at any time. It’s really Cap 101 as performed by Kyle Davidson. Even the Goalies are signed perfectly for 2 more years so that gives Commesso and Gajan time to grow. Maybe even Basse. He went back to college for his 5th year because he really didn’t play a lot his first 2. Plus the Hawks scout says next year is a great year for Goalies where this year-Not so much. They still have tons of draft picks- Cap flexibility and aren’t rushing or blocking anybody. I think it’s bloody brilliant.
Playoffs? Not really. .500 seems reachable though.
Maroon ! Really ? This guy makes his way to many teams for a reason , he is nothing but an over weight , slow skating blob He cannot fight , just hugs ! A Giant waste of a roster spot