The most sought-after defenceman this summer has been snapped up, as free agent Brian Campbell has agreed to an eight-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks worth $7.1 million a season.
"I'm pretty elated," Chicago general manager Dale Tallon said. "It's been a long struggle the past few years. This day was always a tough day for us. We worked hard, and to come home empty-handed wasn't a very good feeling."
Campbell, 29, was among the league leaders in blueline scoring in 2007-08 with 62 points (eight goals, 54 assists) in 83 games with the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks. The Sharks acquired Campbell in a trade deadline deal for Steve Bernier and a first-round pick in the 2008 draft.
The Strathroy, Ontario, native was a sixth-round selection in the 1997 entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres. In 411 games, Campbell has 35 goals and 195 points through nine seasons with Buffalo and San Jose.
