A trio of former Blackhawks forwards are moving on from Chicago after signing new contracts elsewhere. With a slew of new forwards heading to Chicago – including Jujhar Khaira and Tyler Johnson — the Hawks had to clear up roster and salary cap space, meaning leaving no room for these three familiar faces.
After not being extended a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks, forward David Kampf signed a deal with the Maple Leafs worth $3 million over two seasons.
David Kampf, a four year centre with Chicago, joins the Leafs for two years at an AAV if $1.5 million.
— Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) July 28, 2021
The 26-year-old Kampf, who spent four seasons as a member of the Blackhawks, was signed as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2017-18 season. In that time, he totaled 17 goals and 41 assists in 235 games. While not a major point producer, Kampf found success playing center in a checking line role over the course of his time in Chicago.
Like Kampf, Pius Suter was also not extended a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2021, the 25-year-old forward played both center and wing for the Hawks in 2020 totaling 14 goals and 13 assists in 55 games.
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings today agreed to terms with center Pius Suter on a two-year contract. pic.twitter.com/2LLsXycHFj
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 28, 2021
Suter picked up a significant raise over the $1.775 million he earned in the 2021 season with a $925,000 base salary and $850,000 in bonuses:
Pius Suter ended up making a decision quicker than he thought. He gets a two-year deal with Detroit at $3.25M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 28, 2021
The Blackhawks also decided not to re-sign Vinnie Hinostroza, who was signed a one-year deal worth $1.05 million with the Buffalo Sabres.
We’ve signed Vinnie Hinostroza to a one-year contract worth $1.05 million.
Welcome to the Sabres @Hinostroza12‼️
Details: https://t.co/RIQY7G0N2b pic.twitter.com/DWO2knXxjf
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) July 28, 2021
The 26-year-old forward was originally taken by Chicago in the 6th round (196th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft. He scored 13 goals and added 26 assists in 106 games for the Hawks from ‘15-16 through the ‘17-18 season before being traded to the Coyotes. Hinostroza enjoyed a short second stint in Chicago in 2021, where he tallied 4 goals and 8 assists in 17 games.
In 272 career NHL games split between the Blackhawks, Coyotes and Panthers, Hinostroza has accumulated 38 goals and 74 assists.
Although early in free agency, it’s clear that the Blackhawks are loading up with new talent and will have a retooled look, which may be what they need in order to compete in the NHL’s Central Division heading into the ‘21-22 season.
To D.K. 64, hometown Hinostroza and Pope Pius XXIV, fare thee well.
(Detroit still sucks).