In late May, the Chicago Blackhawks made a few cheap investments into their lineup with three European players, most notably Michal Kempny of the Czech Republic.
The Blackhawks last season had their share of issues defensively, having to rely heavily on the play of Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Brent Seabrook. Few teams can sustain the success the Blackhawks strive for while playing with three reliable defensemen. Two and a half really, since Seabrook had one of his worst seasons from a possession standpoint in recent years.
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Prior to adding Brian Campbell in free agency to legitimize the top-four defensive pairings for Chicago, the Blackhawks brought in Kempny from the KHL’s Avangard Omsk.