Did Hawks miss deadline for qualifying offers?

Restricted free-agent status in question for Kris Versteeg, others By Chris Kuc | Tribune reporter Kris Versteeg celebrates his goal against the Flames during the first period at the United Center. (Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune / April 25, 2009) The tendering of qualifying offers to restricted NHL free agents is mostly a formality and usually goes off without a hitch. That's not the case for the Blackhawks this year. The paperwork for a number of Hawks, including Kris Versteeg, Cam Barker, Ben Eager, Colin Fraser, Aaron Johnson and Troy Brouwer may have been filed incorrectly. As a result, the club may have violated the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement and the group could be classified as unrestricted free agents. The Blackhawks had until June 29 to qualify the Hawks' restricted free agents, which would give the team... [read full story]                    

powered by