NHL Rumors: Brian Campbell wants to sign with Chicago Blackhawks
According to a report, pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Brian Campbell wouldn’t be opposed to a reunion with the Blackhawks.
Brian Campbell will be one of the most sought after free agent defensemen during the 2016 NHL off-season despite his age. Before being traded to the Florida Panthers at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he spent three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. During his time in Chicago, he won a Stanley Cup. Campbell is supposedly not opposed to a reunion with the Blackhawks.
Source says Brian Campbell has serious interest in returning to #Blackhawks. Defenseman would have to agree to discounted contract.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 22, 2016
It remains to be seen if Campbell is willing to take the kind of discount it would take for the Blackhawks to be seriously interested in him. Chicago has very little cap space, and they haven’t even re-signed Andrew Shaw yet. As badly as Chicago needs defense, they likely aren’t going to be able to pay Campbell nearly as much as other teams.
The 37-year old defenseman would be a terrific fit because he can still play big minutes while being dominant, even if his production has tailed off due to his age. Chicago wouldn’t need him to play first pairing minutes, which is perfect for Campbell. He’s still a great second pairing option capable of consistently playing over 20 minutes a night.
Campbell has played in 1,002 NHL games split between the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Blackhawks, and Panthers. He has 82 career goals and 405 career assists for 487 points. Campbell finished fifth in the Norris Trophy voting back in the 2007-08 season and won the Lady Byng Trophy during the 2011-12 season. In 215 career games with the Blackhawks, Campbell has 117 points.
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