Andrew Desjardins could end up with the Chicago Blackhawks or a number of other teams after free agency begins Wednesday, according to his agent.
“We are still working through the options,” agent Todd Reynolds wrote in an email Tuesday. “We have been contacted by eight clubs, as of today, on Andrew. Still unsure what Chicago will be able to do.”
Blackhawks general manger Stan Bowman expressed interest recently in bringing the 28-year-old Desjardins back, after he played a role in the team’s Stanley Cup run. The Blackhawks acquired Desjardins from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline. Desjardins had one goal and three assists, and he played wing on the team's checking line in 21 playoff games for the Blackhawks. He becomes an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.
Bowman made one major move Tuesday by sending Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of a seven-player trade. Bowman still has salary-cap issues and will need to make a trade or two to complete a team and be cap-compliant.
If they attempt to sign him, the Blackhawks likely won't be able to pay Desjardins much more than his $750,000 cap hit of the past season. Nearly all the Blackhawks’ unrestricted free agents are expected to sign elsewhere when free agency begins.
