The Chicago Blackhawks are close to signing Swedish undrafted free agent goaltender Lars Johansson, reports John Rylander.
Johansson, 28, was named the Swedish Hockey League’s Goaltender of the Year after posting a 27-6 record with seven shutouts and a league-best 1.74 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in 37 games to lead Frölunda HC to a league title. He also won the Champions League this past season with Frölunda.
In three seasons with Frölunda, the 6-foot, 198-pound net minder is 56-27 with 11 shutouts. He has never lost more than 11 games in a season.
Rylander reports the Hawks are trying to sign Johansson to a two-way entry-level deal. This type of contract would allow him to move between Chicago and the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Corey Crawford is the clear starter for Chicago and Scott Darling has its backup. Johansson would likely slide into Michael Leighton’s role, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Leighton served as the IceHogs starting goaltender and was an emergency call up for the Blackhawks.