Blackhawks Re-Sign Vandermeer and Bochenski

[Thrillhouse]

General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the Blackhawks have re-signed defenseman Jim Vandermeer and right wing Brandon Bochenski to 1-year deals.

Last season, Vandermeer, 6’1”, 218 lbs., set new career highs in NHL games played (76), goals (6), power play goals (2), assists (18), points (24) and penalty minutes (116). His two power play goals led all Blackhawk defensemen. Vandermeer, who was an alternate captain for select games, also recorded five multi-point games to lead Chicago defensemen.

Vandermeer, 26, was acquired with Colin Fraser and a second round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft (Bryan Bickell) by the Blackhawks from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Alex Zhamnov and a fourth round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft on Feb. 19, 2004. Vandermeer originally signed with Philadelphia as a free agent on Dec. 21, 2000.

During the 2004-05 season, Vandermeer appeared in 52 games for the Norfolk Admirals, recording three goals and 10 assists for 13 points and 164 penalty minutes.

In 2003-04, he skated in 23 games for the Blackhawks registering 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and 58 penalty minutes.

Before coming to the Blackhawks, Vandermeer appeared in 47 games for Philadelphia during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, tallying five goals and three assists for eight points and 52 penalty minutes. He skated in eight playoff games during the 2002-03 season recording an assist and nine penalty minutes.

Bochenski, 24, was acquired with a 2nd round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft (Simon Danis-Pepin) from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Tyler Arnason on March 9, 2006.

Bochenski (6’0”, 196 lbs.) a native of Blaine, Minn., was Ottawa’s 7th round pick (223rd overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Bochenski made his Blackhawk debut on March 9 vs. Colorado. He skated in 20 games for the Blackhawks collecting four points (two goals, two assists). After the regular season, Bochenski appeared in three playoff games for the Norfolk Admirals, Chicago’s AHL affiliate, tallying two points (one goal, one assist).

Bochenski began the 2005-06 season with the Senators appearing in 20 games and scoring six goals – two on the power play – while adding seven assists for 13 points with 14 penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating.

Before coming to Chicago, the winger also appeared in 33 games for Binghamton Senators, Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, recording 22 goals – including 15 power play tallies – and 24 assists for 46 points.

In 2004-05, his first as a pro, Bochenski played for Binghamton and recorded 70 points in 75 games. He was also selected to the AHL All-Rookie Team and the AHL’s Planet USA All-Star Team.

Bochenski played three years of collegiate hockey at University of North Dakota (2001-2004). He led North Dakota in scoring in 2002-03 and in 2003-04 with 62 and 60 points respectively. He was also a NCAA First Team All-American in 2004.

[Isles4life]

You've gotta love Vandermeer on the blueline. Also, if Bochenski can play with the offensive skills he flashed in Ottawa, Chicago's offense is overall looking better and better. Now if only they could keep Tuomo Ruutu healthy.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Vandy is a No Brainer. One year however makes feel a little nervous.

[Jensen]

Both are good signings. If Bochenski improves his play, he should be good offensively. Vandermeer is a guy everybody probably wishes they had on their team. He's a good defenseman, and is a pretty good fighter.

[BGDDYKWL]

Vandermeer - 1 year, $1.225 mil

[mckendo83]

yeah everybody wishes they had vandermeer except the flyers...hindsight might be 20/20 but is the flyers organization just blind? not just bobby clarke...i think they traded vandermeer for a draft pick ? and see below for other blockbuster deals that did more benefit for other teams...

forsberg and co.for lindros
Brindamour for Primeau
The signings of hatcher and rathje


just to name a few...

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Originally Posted by mckendo83

i think they traded vandermeer for a draft pick ?

you also Got Zhamnov

[bengino]

Ottawa is just looking bad now after this deal... Arnason is now in Colorado and Chicago has Bochenski which could turn out to be a good scorer and the draft pick could go either way (i know nothing of the guy, but a second rounder is a hopeful one usually)

[a_murad_a]

Originally Posted by OLLBLUEEYZ

you also Got Zhamnov

and we got Colin Fraser also...I can say that we won that trade..Zhamnov didn't help the flyers a lot..but Vandermeer was and hopefully will still be good...
BTW....Which player did the draft pick gave to Philly?

[BGDDYKWL]

Originally Posted by a_murad_a

....Which player did the draft pick gave to Philly?

I'm pretty sure the Flyers drafted Pisellini in the 5th round that year, and the only 4th rounder was some no name who I don't think even plays anymore.

[HordiBrusk29]

I believe the deal was the Blackhawks traded Zhamnov and a 4th round pick in 2004 for Vandermeer, Fraser and a 2nd round pick in 2004.