CHICAGO, (CO) -- The Rumors where true, Chris Chelios is indeed returning to Chicago from the Red Wings. After 5½ season with the Red Wings, the Hawks will get there captain back where he belongs. The Hawks GM Mathias Vaigur announced the trade just minutes ago. The Hawks will send Stephane Robidas to Detroit in exchange for Chris Chelios and prospects Derek Meech and Nathan Robinson.
"Its not a question about Chris Chelios returning to win the cup the next season, or a question about us leaving the curse of the rebuild. Its a question about bringing home a Chicago legend. Chris Chelios is Chicago and Chicago is Chris Chelios. This is a man that played 9 seasons for the Blackhawks before he was traded from the town he was born in. Now he is back, and he will be a great leader for our young defenders. And once he retires, I am more then happy to welcome him to the front office or behind our bench. Its a question what he wants to do once he retires." - Mathias Vaigur, the Hawks GM said. Mathias Vaigur also admited that he would talk to Chris Chelios about his contract too. A contract that will pay Chelios $5 million dollars over the next 2 seasons.
"I am back where I belong. I love the city of Chicago, and I love the Blackhawks. I am here to help the team in there rebuild fase. I will do what I can to assist the young defenders on this team, learn the way to play in the OTHL. Plus, I still have some hockey left in me." - Chelios said with a smile.
Chris Chelios played 1395 games in the now defunct NHL. Scoring 178 goals and 914 points. So far in his career, he has also recorded 2695 penalty minutes. A number that place him 14th overall in the history of the NHL.
Chris Chelios where also appointed captain, just like he where when he was traded. The Hawks did not appoint a new captain after Alexei Zhamnov where traded last season. Chelios will play in jersey number 7 again. Just like he did last time he played in Chicago.