Chicago Blackhawks Resign Restricted Free Agent Jack Skille

A day after the Chicago Blackhawks resigned former second round pick Igor Makarov to a new deal, the 'Hawks were at it again today signing former 2005 first round pick, seventh overall, Jack Skille.

Skille has been unable to crack in the NHL roster since turning pro three years ago and has been playing in the AHL the last three season.

Over the last three plus seasons with the Rockford Ice Hogs, Skille has appeared in 189 games and accumulated 136 points, seeing increases in points in every season in the AHL.

A major reason that Skille has been unable to stick in the NHL has been his large cap hit, and no certainty that he is indeed NHL ready.

However, now that Skille has come off of his entry level contract, he has decided to take a cap-friendly one year deal worth $600,000, he has effectively increased his chances of making the Blackhawks out of camp.

Even though Skille does have a friendly cap hit, and is a former first round pick that has had little chance to make an impact in the NHL, he will still need to earn a spot in the 'Hawks lineup.

Skille is the type of player that has not defined his role in the the NHL. Is he a top six forward? A checker? No one seems to know.

Hopefully with Skille being given a legitimate shot at the roster, he can develop a role on this team and possibly replace Andrew Ladd on the 'Hawks third line.

As of right now, it is all up in the air. But it is good to see that Stan Bowman is filling out the Blackhawks' roster with cheap young talent, and hopefully can replicate some of the success their other young stars have shown.