The Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly agreed to a contract with Czech defenseman Michal Kempny, who will turn 26 years old in September.
The club has yet to officially announce such a deal.
Reports of the deal come following the 2016 world hockey championship, where Kempny recorded two assists in eight games for the Czech Republic. He also had 10 penalty minutes and 19 shots on goal in the tournament.
After spending six years of his career in the Czech league, Kempny spent the 2015-16 season in the KHL with Avangard Omsk, where he had five goals and 21 points in 59 regular season games.
Told that defenseman Michal Kempny's deal with the Blackhawks is done. @ByScottPowers first to report it was close.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) May 23, 2016
Kempny likely will challenge for a regular roster spot with Erik Gustafsson, Viktor Svedberg, David Rundblad and Rockford standout Ville Pokka. After an early postseason exit in which their lack of defensive depth was glaring, only Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Brent Seabrook and Trevor van Riemsdyk are locks for next season.
According to a report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres were pursuing Kempny.