Free agency is starting to get on a roll this Friday morning. The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed backup goaltender Malcolm Subban to a two-year contract, Bob McKenzie reports. The deal should carry him through the 2021-22 season and is worth just under $1.8 million in total ($900k per season).
Even though CHI did not qualify goaltender Malcolm Subban, expect the Hawks to sign him today to a two-year deal with an AAV just south of $900K. CHI expects Subban, Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen to compete for the starter and back-up job in 20-21.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 9, 2020
Malcolm Subban Re-Signs With Chicago Blackhawks
Subban presents himself as a mediocre backup option at best for this Chicago team but may be thrust into a larger role this season. Subban only faced one minute of action in the Chicago net this season after being acquired at the deadline from the Vegas Golden Knights. The 26-year-old Ontario native started in 19 of his 21 appearances this season. He posted a record of 9-7-3, as well as a .890 save percentage and 3.17 goals-against average.
Over the course of his career, Subban has appeared in 63 games with the Golden Knights, Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins. He’s compiled a career record of 30-23-7, a .899 save percentage, and 2.97 goals-against average. He was a first-round pick of the Bruins, 24th overall, at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
With the news that Chicago will not be re-signing Corey Crawford, Subban becomes the only goalie on the Chicago roster with meaningful NHL experience. While his numbers don’t suggest that he’s capable of being an NHL starter, Subban still has room to grow. It’s up to general manager Stan Bowman to decide if he wants to add an NHL goalie later on in free agency. For now, the Hawks will move forward of an apparent tandem of Subban and Collin Delia.
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