The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the signing of five free agents, including right wing Troy Brouwer to a two-year contract, goaltender Corey Crawford to a two-year contract, left wing Ben Eager to a one-year contract, center Colin Fraser to a one-year contact and defenseman Aaron Johnson to a one-year contract.
“I am happy to have these five players back with us. They are quality individuals who played an important role with us last season and their talents are a big part of our goals for next season,” said General Manager Dale Tallon.
Brouwer, 23, appeared in 69 regular-season games with Chicago during his first full National Hockey League campaign last season, ranking second among team rookies with 10 goals, 16 assists and 26 points and third overall on the squad with 125 hits. The Vancouver, British Columbia, native was Chicago's 13th choice, 214th overall, in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Crawford, 24, appeared in one game with the Blackhawks last season, posting six saves on seven shots in 11:51 of action in Game 4 of the Western Conference Final against Detroit. He has appeared in seven games with the Blackhawks since making his debut in 2005-06, notching a 1-2-1 mark with a 2.51 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
Eager, 25, posted career highs in goals (11), points (15) and games played (74) with the Blackhawks during the 2008-09 regular season, while leading the team and ranking 13th in the NHL with 161 penalty minutes. The Ottawa, Ontario, native has racked up 501 penalty minutes and 36 points (20G, 16A) in 195 career NHL outings over parts of four seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers (2005-08) and Blackhawks (2008-09).
Fraser, 24, appeared in 81 of Chicago's 82 regular-season games in 2008-09, his first full NHL season. The Sicamous, British Columbia native has appeared in 87 career games with Chicago over the past three seasons. He has also registered 488 penalty minutes and 102 points (41G, 61A) in 220 career AHL games in the Blackhawks system with the Norfolk Admirals (2004-07) and IceHogs (2007-08).
Johnson, 26, matched a career high with three goals and posted eight points in 38 regular-season games with the Blackhawks last season. The Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia native has appeared in 184 career regular-season NHL contests over the last five seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets (2003-07), New York Islanders (2007-08) and Blackhawks (2008-09), recording 36 points (10G, 26A) and 156 penalty minutes.