Crawford the Blackhawks Choice in Goal

On Thursday, the Blackhawks announced that they had signed goaltender Corey Crawford to a new 3-year deal, reportedly worth $8 million for the entirety of the contract. That will work out to be roughly $2.7 million against the cap, rounded up, of course.  This deal looks something similar to the deal that Jimmy Howard signed with the Red Wings, but actually works out to be a touch more money, with an extra year.  Not big starter money, but good money nonetheless.

In the 2011 season, Crawford took the Blackhawks number one goalie spot from off-season signing, Marty Turco, winning 33 games, 4 shutouts and 1 assist for 75 points and ranking 29th in hockey pool scoring.  Crawford finished 15th among all goalies in pool scoring as well.  Crawford will likely be a good 2nd round pick in next season's hockey pool draft.

All of the Blackhawks' salary cap numbers will be coming with the Pool Outlook, which should be posted in the next couple of weeks.