Recchi Joins Hawks

The Chicago Blackhawks have just announced the signing of veteran winger Mark Recchi. It is believed Recchi has signed a 1 year deal worth just over 1 million dollars per season to join the powerhouse Hawks. "We did not enter free agency intending to do much at all, however when the opportunity arose to add a player with Mark's experience and reputation, it was a no brainer" said GM Semonick. Despite his advancing age Recchi enjoyed yet another very productive season last year, and figures to fit in amongst the Hawks top-6 forwards.

Recchi provides a very cost-efficient replacement for the traded Erik Cole, and this signing shows why the Hawks are able to maintain their contender status year in, year out. The team was able to acquire two assets (2 2nd rounders that brought in prospects Ethan Werek and Philippe Paradis) for Cole, and then turn around and add an arguably superior player for next season in Mark Recchi, at a substantially lower salary.

The addition of another winger has also greatly fueled suspicion that the Hawks are planning to deal unsigned RFA winger Milan Michalek before the season begins. Recchi joins a list of Hawks wingers that includes  Brendan Morrow, Jarome Iginla, Martin Havlat, Drew Stafford, Rene Bourque and Brandon Dubinsky. This would seem to leave little room for Michalek, however Hawks management maintains that it is still their goal to have him signed to an extension this summer. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds after the addition of Recchi.