Blackhawks Re-Sign Keith, Holmqvist

[Thrillhouse]

Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the team has re-signed defenseman Duncan Keith to a 4-year contract and forward Michael Holmqvist to a 1-year deal.

Keith, 23, completed his first NHL season last year appearing in 81 games and scoring 9 goals while adding 12 assists for 21 points with 79 penalty minutes. Moreover, Keith was the team leader in average time on ice logging 23:25 of ice time per game which ranked second in the NHL among all rookies. He also was a vital member of the Blackhawks penalty killing unit that ranked 9th in the NHL with a kill rate of 84%.

Keith was originally the Blackhawks’ 2nd round pick (54th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft out of Michigan State University. He left Michigan State and went on to play for Kelowna in the Western Hockey League before signing with the Blackhawks and playing for their minor league affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, in the American Hockley league for two seasons.

Michael Holmqvist, 27, was acquired by the Blackhawks from Anaheim on July 30, 2005 in a trade for forward Travis Moen.

Holmqvist appeared in 72 games for the Blackhawks last season scoring 10 goals while adding 10 assists for 20 points with 16 penalty minutes. He, too, was a vital member of the Blackhawks penalty killing unit that ranked 9th in the NHL last season.

Holmqvist was originally drafted by Anaheim in the first round (18th overall) of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He had played part of the 2003-04 season with Anaheim appearing in 21 games and scoring two goals with 25 penalty minutes.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Keith is another player that The Hawks should keep for a long time. The upside to him is incredible.

[Jensen]

Keith is a good signing, he has the potential to be a great defenseman. I don't think Holmqvist is going to get much better.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Originally Posted by Jensen

I don't think Holmqvist is going to get much better.

Nor do I... He's a nice #4 Center, but not much else.