AGRI Biz

As reported across all major sports websites, fan blogs, and twitter accounts alike, the San Jose Sharks signed Niklas Hjalmarsson to a four year, $14 million offer sheet. In Blackhawk fandom, this means Chicago has seven days to match the deal or be bitten. The Blackhawks organization has been the focus of restricted free agent talks with both Hjalmarsson and Antti Niemi over the past week. The worries regarding the possible signing of the Finnish ...

The miraculous goal is now one month old. The parades and appearances have come and gone, just as players have. How the Blackhawks have gotten to this moment is by having one of the best organizations from the top down. Once again the cycles begin. Today through Monday, the organization will hold their annual Prospects' Camp at Johnny's Ice House West. With nearly 70 prospects looking to prove what they have is valuable, ...

Just after offering Antti Niemi a chance to remain part of the team, the Chicago Blackhawks offered Niklas Hjalmarsson a qualifying amount, ESPN.com has reported. Hjalmarsson, 23, will have until July 1 to accept the offer from the Hawks or will face restricted free agency. While being paired with Brian Campbell for the majority of season, Hjalmarsson has shown drastic growth.  While managing 17 points (two goals, 15 assists), he added another eight ...

The Chicago Blackhawks have officially sent a qualifying offer to their netminder, Antti Niemi. With the offer deadline approaching for restricted free agents on July 1, the Hawks made the first step in retaining Antti Niemi. While arbitration is likely, Niemi and his agent continue to look for a "cap-friendly," long-term extension. The Chicago organization continues to search for ways to cut from the payroll.  With the deadline just around the corner, the ...

For Chicago Blackhawks players, the awards continue to roll in for the '09-10 season.  Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane have been selected as first-team NHL All-Stars.  This is the second award for Keith in the last 48 hours.  Keith was awarded the Norris Trophy on Wednesday night.  An accolade given as recognition for being the top defensive player during the season. Others up for the award included Mike Green of the Washington Capitals ...

The 26-year-old, Finnish net-minder, will be pressed for decisions within the next few days.  With the NHL draft this weekend in Los Angeles, CA, that means the free agency period is right around the corner. As a restricted free agent, the Blackhawks will have the opportunity to match any offer.  Notice how I say opportunity and not ability? It seems like continuous déjà vu when discussing the Blackhawks’ off-season.  ...

The Blackhawks continue to strengthen their organization. Chicago signed Marcus Kruger to a three-year contract on Friday. Kruger, the second Swedish league player to sign with the 'Hawks this offseason, contributed 31 points for Djurgardens IF this year. He was also a finalist for the league's Rookie of the Year award. At the 2010 Junior World Championships, he chipped in six assists and finished with a plus-seven ratio, en route to earning a Bronze Medal. Kruger brings additional ...

With the off-season re-structuring underway, many things are unclear regarding next year's rosters. How about we toss another wrench into the system? While the captain designation means little to some, it's everything and then some in the locker room. A team is represented by a leader in all facets of operation. Besides being a team leader on the ice, the captain leads his team under public eye. A captain ...

While Hawk-nation waits for trade headlines containing a fan favorite, the front office looks to provide depth.  Today, the Hawks officially sign Mathis Olimb, 24, to a one-year contract.  At age 24, Olimb has a fair share of experience.  Last year Olimb not only suited up for Frölunda HC in the Swedish Leagues, but he also play in the Olympics.  For Team Norway he produced two assists in four games. Over the past ...

Any fan of NHL hockey would be more than willing to list off their favorite arenas to see a game.  In that list, whether a Chicago Blackhawks fan or not, the United Center usually tops it.  Naturally it takes a mere 10-15 minutes for any fan to fall in love with the atmosphere.  When entering the stadium there is already excitement in the air, and by ...