As soon as free agency began on Sunday, the rumblings began about the Blackhawks having interest in the services of future Hall-of-Fame goalie Martin Brodeur.
A source confirmed that the Hawks have some interest in Brodeur, who has become available with the New Jersey Devils having financial issues. The Hawks are said to prefer a one-year deal for Brodeur, if anything.
Pierre Lebrun of TSN and ESPN has reported that the Hawks have reached out to Brodeur's camp. Brodeur recently hired agent Pat Brisson.
Brodeur backstopped the Devils to the Stanley Cup finals this season, losing to the Los Angeles Kings in six games. At 40, Brodeur isn't nearly as athletic as he used to be, but he did have a decent postseason.
Brodeur, though, had an up-and-down regular season -- his 18th in the NHL -- finishing with a .908 save percentage and 2.41 goals-against average.
The Hawks do have goalie concerns. Starting goalie Corey Crawford is coming off an erratic season, but it was just his second full year in the NHL. He had a .903 save percentage and a 2.72 goals-against average.
The Hawks have always stood by Crawford. General manger Stan Bowman recently said he believes Crawford, who received a three-year deal last summer to be the Hawks' No. 1 goalie, can rebound next season.
Hawks players have also voiced their support for Crawford.
''We always remember how good he's been for us when he's at the top of his game," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said recently. ''We all know how good he can be. The pressure that is on the starting goaltender is sometimes unfair.''
The Hawks re-signed Ray Emery to a one-year deal worth $1.15 million to be Crawford's backup this coming season. Crawford has a $2.67 cap hit.
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