SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks have signed Chicago Blackhawks restricted free agent defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (JAHL-muhr-suhn) to a four-year, $14 million offer sheet.
The Sharks announced the deal on Friday.
The Blackhawks have seven days to match the offer. If they choose not to match, they will receiver San Jose’s first- and third-round picks in next year’s NHL draft.
Hjalmarsson helped Chicago sweep the Sharks in the Western Conference final last season and win the Stanley Cup. He had two goals and 15 assists in 77 regular season games. He added a goal and seven assists in the playoffs, while averaging about 21 minutes of ice time per game.
