Johnny Oduya plans to test free agency, reports ESPN Chicago’s Scott Powers.
Oduya, 33, won two Stanley Cup during the last three and half seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. He had nine goals and 34 assists and averaged 20:37 of ice time in 219 regular-season games for the Hawks. The defenseman signed a $10.125 million contract extension following the 2011-12 season.
The 6-foot 188-pound defenseman was acquired by the Hawks in a trade with the Jets for a second- and third-round pick in the 2013 draft.
The NHL free agency period begins Friday.
Chicago general manager Stan Bowman stated June 24, he is interested in re-signing restricted free agent defenseman David Rundblad. The 24-year-old defenseman, who had a cap hit of $875,000 this past season, could play into the lineup more with Oduya’s departure alongside Trevor van Riemsdyk and prospect Stephen Johns.
The Stockholm, Sweden native has 31 goals and 121 assists in 664 career NHL games across parts of 11 seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Atlanta Thrashers, Jets and Hawks. He was originally drafted in the seventh round, 221st overall, in the 2001 NHL draft by the Washington Capitals.
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