It was Friday that we learned of a potential snag in the Chicago Blackhawks' efforts to retain some key restricted free agents. The NHL would eventually clear the club of any wrongdoing, saying the team did nothing wrong in the tendering of qualifying offers.Despite the signing of five players to deals Monday, the Blackhawks still had two players left -- Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker. With both their contracts not done, the NHL Players Association filed a grievance against the team.
There was some good news Monday evening, as it's been reported that Barker has a new three-year deal. The contract -- worth over $9 million -- means Barker will not become an unrestricted free agent, no matter the outcome of the grievance.
David Pagnotta reports on his Twitter page that Versteeg is working a new deal.
The union has not commented on Barker's deal, but if both he and Versteeg re-sign with Chicago, the grievance becomes null and void.
Neither the Blackhawks nor the involved players have commented on the grievance.
