Avalanche rival shakes up division by signing former 40-point defenseman
Photo credit: Justin Berl / Octopus Thrower
The Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, have made a notable move that could shake up the Central Division landscape, inking former 40-point defenseman Matt Grzelcyk to a professional tryout (PTO) as they look to bolster their blue line and add veteran experience ahead of training camp.
Colorado has reportedly had their sights on Grzelcyk during the offseason.
Blackhawks sign Matt Grzelcyk to a PTO ahead of training camp.
Tyler Kuehl from Daily Faceoff writes that Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that the Blackhawks have brought in Grzelcyk on a professional tryout deal.
"Grzelyck was one of the top unrestricted free agents remaining heading toward training camp, currently listed second on Daily Faceoff's UFA board. The 31-year-old was coming off one of his best seasons, individually, of his NHL career. As a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, he scored just one goal, but set career highs in assists (39), points (40) and average time on ice (20:37)." -Kuehl
A native of Charlestown, Mass., Grzelcyk played last season in Pittsburgh on a one-year deal carrying a $2.75 million cap hit. Cap space won't be an issue for Chicago, as the Blackhawks have more than $18.6 million available for the upcoming season, per PuckPedia.
"Grzelcyk could bring some needed experience to what is a very young D-corps in Chicago. Outside of Connor Murphy, 32, no defender listed on the Blackhawks' active roster is older than 24. Alex Vlasic is the highest-paid rearguard on the team at the moment, with his six-year, $4.6 million AAV contract extension kicking in this season." -Kuehl
Since breaking in with his hometown Boston Bruins in 2017-18, Grzelcyk spent seven seasons with the club, reaching the 2019 Stanley Cup Final and contributing to their record-setting 65-win season in 2022-23.
Over 527 regular-season games, Grzelcyk has tallied 26 goals and 149 assists for 175 points, adding 14 more points in 66 playoff appearances.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 30 ANSWERS Avalanche rival shakes up division by signing former 40-point defenseman Do you think Chicago finishes last again in the Central Division this upcoming season? | ||
| yes | 17 | 56.7 % |
| no | 13 | 43.3 % |
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