You can scratch another useful, veteran defenseman off the “available” list.
The Blackhawks announced the signing of former Coyotes blue liner Michal Rozsival to a one-year deal. Josh Rimer of NHL Home Ice reports the deal is worth $2 million.
Last season, Rozsival was an important second-pairing defenseman for the Coyotes playing in 54 games adding a goal and 12 assists. He was also a big player for them in the postseason before being knocked out by Dustin Brown moments before the Kings knocked out Phoenix in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
At 34 years-old, Rozsival joins a Chicago team that now looks loaded on the blue line. With Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook already there along with Niklas Hjalmarsson, Nick Leddy, Johnny Oduya, Steve Montador, and Sheldon Brookbank there’s depth for days to help goalie Corey Crawford.
Rozsival’s time in Phoenix also gives Chicago a bit more insight on how to deal with the host of skill players and agitators that gave them fits during the playoffs last season. Any tips on how to beat Mike Smith would be very welcome.