Steve Thomas erased a disastrous regular season with an excellent playoff run for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.
Blackhawks general manager Mike Smith hopes Thomas can repeat his playoff feats with the Hawks this season. Thomas, 38, signed a one-year contract Wednesday to return to Chicago, where he spent five years early in his career.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, although Thomas likely signed for less than the $2.5 million he made in Toronto last season.
“I was entertaining interest from some other teams and the Hawks came up with an offer and an opportunity to play a lot and hopefully contribute like I know I can,” Thomas said.
Last season, which was marred by injuries, Thomas had eight goals and 34 points. He had arthroscopic surgery on his knee during the season, which limited him to 57 games.
Thomas nearly matched his goal output in the playoffs, however, scoring six goals in 11 games.
“He was excellent in the playoffs,” Smith said. “Hopefully next year he will be excellent for us in the playoffs.”
They have to get there first. Thomas said he has been working out for the last month and a half and that he intends to come into training camp in the best shape of his career.
He also said new Hawks coach Brian Sutter assured him he would get a chance to contribute.
“[Sutter] said I would get ice time to succeed and that was one of the major factors in my decision,” Thomas said.
Sundin signs: Captain Mats Sundin signed a six-year, $52.5 million deal to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will get $7.5 million for 2001-2002, the same as last season, and $9 million in each of the following five years. Sundin had 28 goals and 46 assists in 82 games last season.
Lindros update: The Philadelphia Flyers denied a report that they traded Eric Lindros to the Edmonton Oilers.
And the Oilers are saying they are no longer in contention to acquire the oft-injured center.
