In a joint press release, the Chicago Blackhawks announced on Tuesday that they had completed contract extensions with impending unrestricted free agents Johnny Oduya and Jamal Mayers.
Oduya, 30, reportedly signed a three-year extension with the Blackhawks. The Swedish-born defenseman helped stabilize Chicago's defense during its playoff push, pairing up next to youngster Nick Leddy. While he seemingly fell apart during the first-round series against Phoenix, Oduya's presence on defense for Chicago cannot be understated.
According to CSN's Chris Boden, Oduya took a pay cut from his $3.5 million salary in exchange for multiple contract years.
UPDATE: Chicago Sun-Times writer Adam Jahns reports on Twitter that Oduya's cap hit will be $3.375 million.
Mayers, 37, was arguably the top piece brought in during the ill-fated free-agent splurge coming into last season. While Ray Emery went 10-0-3 at the United Center, and Sami Lepisto's picture of his leg after blocking a shot in the playoffs went viral, Mayers was a consistent presence, mostly appearing as the fourth-line center and on the penalty kill.
Jammer managed to add the physic ...
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Article written by Jim Weihofen
Chicago Blackhawks: Johnny Oduya and Jamal Mayers Re-Signed
May 29th, 2012 by Jim Weihofen Leave a reply »
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