For the second straight day, a playoff-bound team has signed an impending unrestricted free agent.
Today, it was the Chicago Blackhawks inking goalie Ray Emery to a one-year, $1.5 million extension. The deal comes a day after Philadelphia re-upped with defenseman Nicklas Grossmann on a four-year, $14 million deal.
Emery, 29, has compiled a 15-9-4 record, 2.81 goals-against average and .902 save percentage in 34 appearances this season. He’s mostly backed up Corey Crawford this year but has battled for Chicago’s No. 1 gig, recording an impressive 10-0-3 record at the United Center.
Last season, Emery was a finalist for the Masterton Trophy -- awarded annually to the player best exemplifying the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey -- by returning to the NHL after undergoing surgery for a right hip injury that required a bone graft.