Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook used their star power to recruit somebody to the Chicago Blackhawks and the player might surprise you.
According to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times, the two Chicago defensemen lobbied general manager Stan Bowman to sign enforcer Jordin Tootoo. The three players all live in Kelowna, British Columbia, so being a bird in Tootoo’s ear wasn’t difficult.
Keith told Lazerus he recruited Tootoo because he’s a veteran who can bring some physicality to the Blackhawks.
“First and foremost he’s a good teammate,” Keith said. “He’s a good guy to have in the locker room, and the energy that he brings — I know playing against him, I don’t like going back for pucks when he’s on the ice. You always have to be aware when he’s on the ice because he’s going to finish every hit. I think it was a great addition to have him [and add] some physicality. I know the fans in Chicago like seeing big hits at the United Center and I know he’s going to bring that intensity.”
Lobbying for Tootoo worked with Chicago taking a small gamble on a one-year, deal worth $750,000. Tootoo won’t come in and replace Andrew Shaw’s production, but he can be reasonably chippy on the fourth line while providing a small amount of offense. The 33-year-old has carved out quite the career appearing in 673 games, scoring 63 times and scoring 158 points. He’s a hard worker who’s stayed in the NHL while fellow enforcers faded away because of his 100% effort.
If Tootoo’s good in the room and can contribute in a fourth line role, it’s a solid addition by the Blackhawks – even if it took some pestering from Keith and Seabrook to land him.
