The Chicago Blackhawks may have just made what could be their most significant move of the entire offseason by signing Czech Republic defenseman Michal Kempny to a deal on Monday.
Kempny and the Blackhawks were said to be “very close” to a deal, according to a league source earlier on Monday. ESPN’s Craig Custance confirmed Monday afternoon the deal had been completed.
Kempny, a 25-year-old left-handed defenseman, fills a major need at the back end for the Blackhawks. They lacked quality left-handed defensemen last season. He is also solid enough in all zones to step into a top-4 defenseman role and alleviate some of the pressure put on Trevor van Riemsdyk this past season.