Blackhawks Re-Sign Radim Vrbata

[Thrillhouse]

CHICAGO – Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the Blackhawks have re-signed right wing Radim Vrbata to a two-year deal.

The Blackhawks acquired Vrbata from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for future considerations on Dec. 30, 2005. He was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche as their 10th pick (212th overall) in the 1999 NHL Entry draft out of Hull in the Quebec Major Junior League.

Vrbata, 24, made his Blackhawk debut at Calgary on Jan. 2, 2006. He appeared in 45 games with the Blackhawks registering 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) and a plus-4 rating. He tied Kyle Calder and Martin Lapointe for second on the team with six power plays goals.

Vrbata produced eight multiple point games for Blackhawks including three and four-point efforts. He registered a career-high three assists in a 4-2 win vs. Colorado on Jan. 19 and had a career-high four points (two goals, two assists) on March 26 vs. San Jose.

Before coming to Chicago, the winger appeared in 16 games for Carolina recording five points (two goals, three assists) and an even rating. He tallied Carolina’s first goal of the season at Tampa Bay on Oct. 5

Vrbata, 6’1”, 190 lbs, broke into the NHL with the Avalanche in the 2001-02 season playing in 52 games scoring 18 goals and 30 points. He played part of the next season in Colorado before being traded to Carolina in exchange for Bates Battaglia.

[Isles4life]

If Chicago stays healthy and guys like Vrbata produce, this team will have a much better season.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

I like his potential... Surround this guy with some other skill, and he should produce decent numbers. He is by no means a franchise saver, but should contribute on the first line.