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Monday, August 2, 1999
Blackhawks sign Wendel Clark
CHICAGO (CP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks signed free-agent forward Wendel Clark to a one-year contract Monday with an option for a second year.Calgary was also after the 32-year-old winger and the native of Kelvington, Sask., said it was a difficult choice.
"I love playing in Chicago," he said. "I like the direction of the team but it was tough because I'm from Western Canada, but ultimately I wanted to play in Chicago."
Clark, a former Toronto Maple Leafs star, split last season with the Tampa Bay Lighting and the Detroit Red Wings, collecting 32 goals and 16 assists.
"Wendel Clark is an experienced veteran who adds some goal-scoring punch and some physical presence to our lineup," Blackhawks general manager Bob Murray said in a statement. "He had 32 goals last season and was a great asset in front of the net on the power play for both Tampa Bay and the Red Wings."
The five-foot-11, 195-pound left-winger began last season with Tampa Bay but was dealt to the Detroit Red Wings along with a sixth-round draft pick at the trading deadline in exchange for goalie Kevin Hodson and a 1999 second-round pick.
Despite being plagued by injuries, Clark played some of his greatest hockey in Toronto, with his best season coming in 1993-94 when he recorded 46 goals and 30 assists. Clark has scored more than 30 goals in a season six times in his 14-year career.
Clark was drafted first overall by Toronto in the 1985 NHL draft and after nine seasons with the Leafs, was traded to the Quebec Nordiques. He played one season in Quebec before being dealt to the Islanders in 1995. The Maple Leafs re-acquired Clark from New York in 1996 along with defenceman Mathieu Schneider and D.J. Smith. But his comeback was relatively short-lived.
Clark signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay in July 1998.