With files from the Associated Press and the Chicago Tribune
Lanigan's own NHL defenseman Sheldon Brookbank signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks over the Canada Day long weekend.
"They have a lot of D here. I was told I'd be kinda five or six range," Brookbank told the Associated Press of playing time. "I was more focused on finding an organization that wanted me and Chicago seemed like they wanted me, so hopefully it will be a good fit."
Brookbank, 31, is described as a physical player who can help on the penalty kill. He is heading to Chicago from the Anaheim Ducks, where he spent the last season recording a career-high three goals and 11 assists in 80 games.
In total, he has four goals, 32 assists in 277 career games over seven seasons with Nashville, New Jersey and Anaheim.
"Just kind of steady," Brookbank said, describing his style. "You kind of know what you are getting out of me, not anything really too flashy. I take pride in making a good first pass and trying to play hard and stick up for my teammates."
The Blackhawks announced the deal on July 1, the opening day of the NHL's free agency period.
The two-year contract is reportedly worth $2.5 million.
The Chicago Tribune described the newest Hawks player as "a hard-nosed defenseman" who can help solve one of the Hawks' problem areas by killing penalties. They finished 27th in the NHL last season while short-handed.
"That was one of the things they said they needed, a penalty-killing defenseman," Brookbank, a right-handed shot, told the Tribune. "I've played penalty kill and (it's something) I take pride in."
Wade Brookbank, another Lanigan native and son of Paula and Murray Brookbank, played in the Hawks' minor league system, still lives in Chicago and apparently helped in the decision-making.
"The Hawks were a team that I kind of hoped would have some interest in me," Sheldon said. "They've really got a good young team with a lot of potential and they're proven winners. I'm happy to join them and try to help get back there.
"I hope to play every day," he told the press.
The move gave the Hawks more grit as Brookbank had 72 penalty minutes last season, including eight fights.
"It's not something I necessarily go looking for all the time, but I'm just the kind of guy when I play I get into some confrontations here and there," Brookbank stated.
