The Blackhawks are bidding against Avalanche for the services of pending unrestricted free agent Ryan Dzingel, reports Murray Pam of The Sporting News. Pam also notes Chicago had interest in acquiring the speedy winger from the Senators at the NHL’s trade deadline in February.
Dzingel scored 22 goals and 44 points with a 44.6 Corsi-For percentage at even strength in 57 regular-season games in a top-six role with the Senators last season before he was dealt to the Blue Jackets two days before the NHL’s trade deadline. He added 12 points (four goals, eight assists) with a 47.5 Corsi For in 21 games while playing a smaller role that didn’t see time on the power play.
The 27-year-old was quiet in the postseason and didn’t register a point in the Blue Jackets’ surprising sweep of the Lightning then was scratched in Game 2 of the second round against Boston. He returned for the rest of the series, scoring a goal in Columbus’ 4-3 loss in Game 5 for his lone point of the playoffs.
All of a sudden, this game has sprung to life. Incredible shot by Dzingel to get this game back within a goal. 3-2 BOS. Hold on to your butts. pic.twitter.com/XGrAAh2Zzt
— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) May 5, 2019
Brian Hedger of The Columbus Post-Dispatch reported earlier in the day Dzingel won’t be returning to Columbus, where he played three seasons at Ohio State prior to his professional career.
Evolving Hockey projects Dzingel will receive a four-year deal with a $4,256,526 annual salary cap hit. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton and does his offseason training in the area.
The Blackhawks have $11,936,539 million in salary cap space, according to CapFriendly, heading into the league’s free agency period which starts at 11 a.m. Central time Monday. The team is also reportedly in contract talks to re-sign center David Kampf and winger Brendan Perlini.
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