Hawks announce two huge signings.

Throughout the season the Chicago Blackhawks were faced with a great deal of uncertainty going forward as two of their core pieces were potential free agents in the offseason in Jarome Iginla and Brenden Morrow. The two have been integral pieces in both the team's championship runs, and are key leaders in the dressing room. Management was faced with a very difficult task in trying to keep both players in town and remain within the constraints of the cap. Most media speculated it would be an either or question, and one of the two stars would be moving on in the offseason. 

The team announced in a shocking press conference this afternoon that the questions can be put to rest as not one, but both players had been inked to contract extensions. Iginla, the teams captain agreed to a 3 year 21 million dollar deal, while Morrow signed a 3 year 10.5 million dollar pact. "This will go down as one of my masterstrokes during my tenure as GM of this team" said GM Semonick. "We were faced with more questions heading into this offseason than any other year previous, and these deals solidify our core and arm us to contend for championships into the forseeable future".

Both players signed relatively cap friendly deals, however the team will still need to shed some salary going forward to accommidate signing RFA's Alex Edler and Brandon Dubinsky. With the two wingers locked up, and Chris Stewart developing into a star on the farm it would appear Milan Michalek and or Drew Stafford's days in Chi-Town could be numbered.

With the two signings the Hawks have a much less murky picture for the summer. The only other UFA on the squad is veteran Mark Recchi, who will likely be offered an opportunity to stay another year should he choose to do so, however he may opt to move on or retire. "Mark has been a great pickup for us, his leadership and experience is invaluable, and he has chipped in 41 points in 61 games. If he wants a spot for next season, it will be there for him". It is likely Recchi will take his time deciding as he did last season. Certainly keeping Iginla and Morrow around can only positively influence his decision.

The team also has Milan Michalek, Alex Edler and Brandon Dubinsky due for raises as RFA's, and will need to work diligently and be inventive to find ways to incorporate them into the cap for next season.