Two former Blackhawks defensemen heading in different directions
With the Blackhawks now in full rebuild mode and looking to add pieces to their new lineup, two former Blackhawks players have joined new teams during the unrestricted free agency day, but they are going in different directions.
Former Hawks defenseman Calvin de Haan decided to change teams and head to the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to Elliot Friedman, he signed a one-year contract worth $775,000. Moving from the Hawks to the Lightning is a step up, considering the current state of his former team.
The Lightning are still contenders for the Stanley Cup with their current core, and adding him will strengthen their defensive depth.
On the other hand, the Calgary Flames have signed former Hawk Jordan Oesterle to a one-year deal worth $925,000. The Flames have been heading in a different direction, which has been going downhill. Several players have stated that they have no interest in signing any long-term deals with the Flames as the organization continues to be mired in controversy.
De Haan has played 573 games, scoring 21 goals with 110 assists for 131 points in his career. He has a plus-minus rating of +7 and has accumulated 215 penalty minutes. Oesterle has played 349 games, scoring nineteen goals with 65 assists for 84 points. He has a plus-minus rating of -53 and has 67 penalty minutes.
We will have to see who made the right choice when it comes to the team they signed with.
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