Crisis Averted - Blackhawks Sign Kris Versteeg

You can be sure that Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon had the best night of sleep he's had in a while last night. With all the fuss about whether or not he messed up in making qualifying offers to the Blackhawks restricted free agents during the last week, there was always the chance that if the team lost key players because of this, Tallon may have had to fall on his sword.

Thankfully for Tallon and the Hawks, all of the team's RFAs want to be in Chicago -- my how things have changed -- and re-signed with the team anyway. The final signature came last night when Kris Versteeg agreed to a three-year deal with the Hawks, foregoing the chance to hit the open market.

The Blackhawks have signed winger Kris Versteeg has signed a three-year contract worth a reported $9.25 million.

“Kris’ tremendous rookie season was a big reason the team was able to go as far as it did,” Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement. “He is part of a core of young players that is going to make this franchise successful for a long time."

Now some speculated that had Versteeg hit the open market he may have been able to get around $5 million a year. So by signing with the Hawks now instead of awaiting word on the outcome of the NHLPA's grievance, it's possible that Versteeg has left $6 million or more on the table.

Imagine that happening two years ago. There's no way.