The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t expected to make a big splash in free agency this summer, but one signing has certainly turned heads: Max Domi.
The team reportedly opened Wednesday’s signing period by reaching deals with the controversial center, who last played for the Carolina Hurricanes, and former Los Angeles Kings winger Andreas Athanasiou. Both were unrestricted free agents. The Athletic’s Scott Powers was the first to report the moves.
Domi, 27, has rankled some teammates, coaches and fans with his actions on and off the ice, including tweeting comments about immigration in 2017 and punching Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad during a preseason game in 2018. , which led to a suspension.
The seven-year veteran was split last season between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Hurricanes and had 11 goals and 28 assists.
A former draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, Athanasiou, 27, had 11 goals and six assists in 28 games for the Kings last season.
Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson was scheduled to address the media Wednesday during the third day of development camp but the session was postponed.
Meanwhile, despite teams possibly clamoring, to varying degrees, for Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Seth Jones, it still doesn’t look like any of them are leaving Chicago to escape Davidson’s rebuild.
At least not for the moment.
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TSN analyst Pierre LeBrun tweeted Wednesday that he spoke with Pat Brisson, the agent for the three players, and said they are taking a measured approach so far.
“Brisson says that while they don’t necessarily agree with the direction the team is taking,” LeBrun tweeted, “they will first let the dust settle and then patiently make the best decisions for each player as it relates to their respective careers.” ”.
kane Y trailers they have expressed a desire for a quicker turnaround for the team, one to two years, than what Davidson has expressed to reporters, which has ranged from three to five years, or more.
Trading Alex DeBrincat and Kirby Dach on draft day it certainly pushes back the Hawks’ timeline and forces Kane, Toews and Jones to reassess their futures with the Hawks.
LeBrun’s report lined up with what Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff was hearing.
“Several teams have inquired about Patrick Kane in recent days, but have been told a trade is unlikely at this time,” he tweeted.
Forward Dominik Kubalík and defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk were part of Davidson’s ongoing roster purge, signing two-year and one-year free agent deals with the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks. respectively.