Salak in as Blackhawks’ backup goalie

The Blackhawks appear to have found their backup goalie for 2011-12 in Alexander Salak.

While the Hawks still might kick the tires on a veteran backup in free agency, all signs point to Salak starting the year as No. 2 behind Corey Crawford thanks to the two-year, one-way contract worth $600,000 plus a $100,000 signing bonus he signed on Tuesday.

The one-way contract is important because it means Salak would earn his $600,000 salary even if he is sent to Rockford, which is doubtful.

Salak, acquired from Florida with Michael Frolik for Jack Skille in a deal that looks better every day, is fresh off leading Farjestad BK to the Swedish Elite League title. In 33 regular season games he had a 1.97 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

Salak also has experience in North America. He spent the 2009-10 season in the American Hockey League and went 29-14-0.

It has been no secret the Hawks had planned to go in another direction away from Marty Turco as their backup. Turco will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and will look to hook on with another club.

Also on Tuesday, they signed forwards Byron Froese and David Gilbert to three-year entry-level contracts.

Atlanta move complete:

The long-awaited deal involving the Atlanta Thrashers’ move to Winnipeg was finalized on Tuesday.

There will not be a realignment of divisions for 2011-12 with Winnipeg playing one more season as a member of the Southeast Division.

Expect realignment for 2012-13 with either Detroit, Columbus or Nashville moving to the Eastern Conference.

It’s believed Minnesota would join the Central Division with Winnipeg playing in the Northwest Division.

However, should Phoenix relocate after next season realignment could become more complicated.