Madden signs with Blackhawks - 7-1-09

The Devils continue to lose long-time staples of their franchise.

Defensive center John Madden, a former Frank Selke Award winner, has signed with the Blackhawks. The deal is for one year at $2.75 million.

Madden, who was a part of the Devils' last two Stanley Cup winning teams, had a down season only collecting 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) in 76 games.

EN Says: Solid move by Chicago. It's a low-risk deal that brings them an elite defensive forward with championship experience. Madden might not be the same player he was roughly five years ago, but he's still a pretty good defender who can control the faceoff circle.

The Devils have seen this before with veterans jumping ship. We have nothing but faith in team overlord Lou Lamoriello being able to find a way to replace some of his losses.

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)