CHICAGO (CP) - The Chicago Blackhawks signed free-agent defenceman Bryan Berard to a one-year, $2.01-million US contract Friday, Bob Pulford's first major move since taking over the GM duties last week.
"We felt we needed to improve our defence and Bryan Berard certainly does that for our team,'' Pulford said in a statement. "He's a big, strong kid who can skate and move the puck. He definitely makes us a better team.''
Berard became a free agent in August when the Boston Bruins rejected an arbitrator's award that would have paid him $2.51 million this season. The Hawks had to give Berard at least $2.01 million (80 per cent of the arbitration award) or else the Bruins would have had the right to match.
Boston had offered Berard a one-year, $1.8-million deal but pulled it off the table during training camp.
Berard, 25, had 10 goals and 28 assists in 80 games with the Bruins last season, his second year back in the league after returning from a near career-ending eye injury.
Could have swore that Berard was already a Canuck. :lol:
Smart move by Chicago. Berard will give offense from the point, something the Blackhawks are seriously lacking so far this season. I expect Berard to be in the first powerplay unit, and maybe even anchor it.
If Brian does well this season, Chicago would be smart to offer him a contract extension before the season is over.
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Under construction, come back later.
Good for Bryan finally finding a team that appreciateds his abilities.It would of been cool if he came to Montreal but life does have bumps on the road :roll:
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Go Habs Go! The Drive for 25 is Alive :wavetowel !
Brian Berard becomes a Blackhawk
Brian Berard becomes a Blackhawk
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