Four years ago, the Blackhawks acquired Duane Sutter of the New York Islanders, looking to benefit from his experience as a member of four Stanley Cup championship teams.
The Hawks went the Long Island route again Sunday, signing free-agent left wing John Tonelli of the Los Angeles Kings. Tonelli, 34, spent the last three years with the Kings, but he played nearly eight full seasons with the Islanders before being traded to Calgary in 1986.
Tonelli, a teammate of Sutter`s on four Stanley Cup championship clubs from 1980-83, believes he can help the Hawks get over the hump to the finals.
”It wasn`t good for me in L.A., and so I decided to explore the free-agent market,” Tonelli said. ”When I learned Chicago was interested, they were No. 1 on the list.
”I know what it`s like to win and I want to be a part of it there. Despite what happened (to the Hawks) in the playoffs, I feel they have a really strong team and a great contender for the (Stanley) Cup.”
Tonelli had 14 goals and 16 assists in a reduced role last year. The Kings also had signed Tonelli as a free agent.
”Last year I wasn`t asked to do too much,” Tonelli said. ”I was on the fourth line from the beginning of the season. I tried to be a positive influence in the dressing room, but that`s not all I can do in hockey. I can still contribute on the ice. For some reason, the coach (Tom Webster) felt I just didn`t have it anymore.”
In 13 seasons, Tonelli has 322 goals and 500 assists (822 points). He has played in 976 games.
”He`s got one of the best work ethics in the NHL,” said Mike Keenan, the Hawks` coach and general manager, who is expected to make more moves before the start of next season. ”He`s a well-conditioned athlete. He`s going to be effective on the smaller ice surface at the Stadium because he`s a corner man.”
The 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound Tonelli has been in 172 playoff games, recording 40 goals and 75 assists.
The addition of Tonelli will likely put pressure on former Islanders teammate Greg Gilbert, who may be on the bubble if he doesn`t produce.
Tonelli scored 31 goals in each of his first two seasons with the Kings.
”We`re looking for him to do some of that,” Keenan said.
The Hawks had the best record during the regular season last year but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota North Stars.
”I know from the Island, sometimes it takes a learning experience to pull you through it before you win,” Tonelli said.
Tonelli`s best season was 1984-85, when he had 42 goals and 58 assists. He has high expectations for himself for next season.
”I`m going to shoot to play on the second or third line in Chicago,” he said.
