The Chicago Blackhawks remain busy as the NHL Draft approaches. Although players such as Caleb Jones and Anders Bjork may not return to the club if they don't receive qualifying offers, the Hawks have already locked up an impending free agent. According to the team, Joey Anderson has signed a one-year, two-way contact worth $800K for next season.
Anderson was acquired at last season's trade deadline in the trade that sent Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Anderson, along with a first-round draft pick, second-round draft pick, and another prospect, were the return.
Anderson played the remainder of the season with the Blackhawks. The 25-year-old winger recorded six points in 24 games played. That said, he primarily played in a bottom six role and fit well in head coach Luke Richardson's system.
The deal is perfect for both the Blackhawks and Anderson. The former Maple Leaf and New Jersey Devil brings value to a Blackhawks team in need of depth. In addition, the two-way nature of the contract will allow Anderson to play in either Rockford or Chicago, and be an easy call-up in the event of injuries or performance, assuming he doesn't make the NHL roster on opening night.
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