Ryan Potulny

When the Chicago Blackhawks are in need of a fill-in for a game or two, they look West on I-90 to the AHL's Rockford Ice Hogs.  Fans can head to the Rockford Metro Centre to see tomorrow's stars today.

Right now, those players may be donning Indian sweaters sooner than you think.

We're less than two weeks away from the regular season, and the roster is starting to take shape for the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed unrestricted free agent Ryan Potulny to a one-year contract.

Potulny, 26, had a career season in 2010 with the Edmonton Oilers, appearing in 64 games and recording 15 goals and 17 points. His 15 goals were tied for third-most on the team.

Potulny also spent time in the American Hockey League last year with the Springfield Falcons. In 14 games he collected three goals and five assists.

In the first part of our series previewing the 2010-11 Chicago Blackhawks defense of the Stanley Cup, we’re going to begin by looking down the middle: the centers.

As reported by many media outlets and now confirmed, the Chicago Blackhawks have signed 26-year-old forward Ryan Potulny to a one-year, two-way deal worth $500,000.

Potulny spent last season with the Edmonton Oilers and in his first full NHL season was able to post 15 goals and 17 assists as well as being one of the Oilers' top penalty killers.

According to CapGeek.com, the Chicago Blackhawks signed center Ryan Potulny on Wednesday evening to a one-year, $500,000 deal.

As all of you know the Devils are restructuring a new contract with Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk's main option is to re-sign in New Jersey so it should only be a matter of time before he is officially a part of the New Jersey Devils.

The NHL is investigating several long-term front loaded contracts (Marc Savard, Roberto Luongo, Marion Hossa, Chris Pronger). Personally, I don't think the NHL will do anything as this would cause a huge amount of commotion and all of the contracts are already at least one year in.