The Blackhawks announced three modest free-agent signings Sunday as they began the process of finding the right roster mix to catapult them back into the playoffs.
Goalie Cam Ward and forward Chris Kunitz signed one-year deals while defenseman Brandon Manning received a two-year contract. Ward's deal is worth $3 million and includes full no-trade protection, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported.
Ward, 34, will try to give the Hawks stability behind Corey Crawford, who still has to prove he's healthy enough to play. Crawford missed the final 47 games of the season for still-unexplained reasons.
Kunitz, 38, gives the Hawks a veteran forward to go with a youthful mix that includes Alex DeBrincat, Nick Schmaltz, Vinny Hinostroza and Dylan Sikura. Kunitz was with the Lighting last season, scoring 13 goals to go with 16 sssists.
Manning, 28, wasn't among the top defenseman available in free agency but will give the Hawks a veteran blue liner with some playoff experience. Manning signed with the Flyers after going undrafted and has played in 207 career games since breaking into the NHL during the 2011-12 season. He hasn't played in more than 65 games in a season.
Other free agents linked to the Hawks who are off the market include forward James van Riemsdyk, who signed with the Flyers and defenseman Ian Cole, who inked a three-year deal with Colorado.
The Hawks also announced they have signed defenseman Adam Boqvist, their top pick in the 2018 draft, to a three-year entry level deal that runs through the 2020-21 season.
