In this edition of Hawks Headlines, we take a look at what was an eventful day of signings on the first day of NHL free agency, how the Chicago Blackhawks improved their team with the signing of Brad Richards, and we look for contract negotiation updates for the team’s two biggest stars.
-We start out with our friend Sean Gentille of The Sporting News, who checks in with his winners and losers from the first day of free agency. Where will he put the Blackhawks? [The Sporting News]
-ESPN Insiders can see this whole article, but the Blackhawks were graded very favorably by Craig Custance for their performance on day one of free agency. [ESPN]
-Heading closer to home, Tracey Myers weighs in with her thoughts on what the Hawks did in bringing in Richards and re-signing Peter Regin. [CSN Chicago]
-The consensus on the Richards signing is that the Blackhawks got tremendous value for a player that can really help solidify their second line center position. Mark Lazerus tends to agree with that thinking. [Chicago Sun-Times]
-With $2 million as the price tag, the price was clearly right for the Blackhawks on Richards. [Daily Herald]
-Moving away from Richards talk, we take a look at the ongoing negotiations with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews as they look to sign long-term extensions with the team. The July 1 deadline has come and gone, but both sides are still confident that a deal will get done soon (perhaps one will be done by the time Blackhawks Convention rolls around?) [Chicago Tribune]
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-Finally, we check in with our pals at Second City Hockey as they continue their Staff Report Cards series by taking a look at the season that Marcus Kruger had in 2013-14. [Second City Hockey]
