While skill and performance are always major factors in free agency decisions by National Hockey League general managers, character is just as important in the analysis and valuation of players.
To win the Stanley Cup, the NHL's ultimate prize, any eventual triumphant locker room must have the right personalities to go all the way. Focused, driven, unselfish and unheralded guys end up hoisting the Cup in June alongside superstars. The Chicago Blackhawks can point to great influences like John Madden in helping them end the franchise's 49-year championship drought this past year.
While Madden put just two points on the board in the entirety of the 'Hawks postseason run to the NHL's crown, he brought a winning pedigree to the rink every day, already having collected two rings in his ten years with the New Jersey Devils. Most importantly though, he too supplied a workman's attitude, taking to the ice night in and night out, ready to line up across from opponents' top offensive threats.
The signer of a one-year contract with Chicago on July 1, 2009, Madden and his fantastic temperament were perfect additions to a club hoping to achieve its Stanley Cu ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Nik Leighton
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June 16th, 2010 by Nik Leighton Leave a reply »
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