The very definition of a crazy day for Blackhawks
The Blackhawks did not get the news they were hoping for Monday.
The NHL Players Association announced it had filed a grievance with the league against the club for failing to properly notify its restricted free agents of their qualifying contract offers last week.
But a few hours later, in a quick response to the situation, the Hawks signed defenseman Cam Barker to a three-year, $9.25 million contract extension.
The Hawks also signed five other restricted free agents Monday, leaving Kris Versteeg as the only player whose status remained affected by the grievance.
Versteeg still can be declared an unrestricted free agent when the case is heard by an impartial arbitrator.
"We are respectfully working with the NHL, NHLPA, our players and their representatives so that we can resolve this as soon as possible," Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement issued before Barker's signing.
Agreeing to terms before Barker were Troy Brouwer, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser, Aaron Johnson and Corey Crawford.
Brouwer and Crawford signed two-year contracts, while Eager, Fraser and Johnson re-upped for one. Brouwer will earn $1 million, Eager $965,000 and Fraser $700,000. Money figures for Johnson and Crawford were not immediately available.
"They are quality individuals who played an important role with us last season and their talents are a big part of our goals for next season," Tallon said in a separate statement.
Barker earned $984,000 last season, so the mistake the union believes the Hawks made likely cost them some additional money to re-sign the defenseman.
Versteeg earned just $490,000 last season and could be in line for a similar bigger payday.
The Vancouver Canucks were said to be watching the situation closely, very interested in Barker as a replacement for Mattias Ohlund, who left as a free agent to sign with Tampa Bay.
With Monday's signings, the Hawks now have $51.788 million in salaries committed to 20 players for 2009-10. That does not include Versteeg, Johnson and a backup goalie.
The salary cap rose only $100,000 to $56.8 million. Included in that $51.788 million is the $456,000 still owed Curtis Brown from his buyout several years ago.
The players association announced its grievance after a review of an investigation by the NHL.
"The NHLPA will make no further comment on the matter, which is now pending before the impartial arbitrator," union spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Hawks' prospect camp opened Monday at Johnny's Ice House near the United Center with two workouts.
Scrimmages begin Tuesday with the first of two scheduled for 10:45 a.m. The sessions are open to the public.