It’s official: Hawks, Campoli part ways

The Blackhawks formally cut ties with Chris Campoli on Wednesday, walking away from the defenseman’s $2.5 million arbitration award.

Campoli’s arbitration hearing was moved up from its scheduled Aug. 3 date to expedite him becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Campoli now can sign with any team, and it doesn’t have to be for the $2.5 million award number.

“We made a decision,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “We wish him well. He did a good job when he was here.”

The Hawks will head to training camp with eight veteran defensemen. The top five appears set with Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Steve Montador and Nick Leddy with Sean O’Donnell, Sami Lepisto and John Scott adding depth.

Lepisto was signed to a one-year, $750,000 contract basically to replace Campoli.

“With Sami, we got another defenseman that’s comparable in their style of play and a useful defenseman in the way we need to play,” Quenneville said.

Dent to Rockford:The Hawks on Wednesday promoted assistant Ted Dent to head coach of their Rockford American Hockey League affiliate.#147;During his time with our organization, Ted has proven himself as a great leader and has developed a solid track record in helping players rise to the National Hockey League level,#148; general manager Stan Bowman said.On the mend:Hawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said Patrick Kane should be able to start #147;modified#148; preseason workouts shortly following successful left wrist surgery on Tuesday.