Chicago happy, Gilmour signs

The Chicago Blackhawks pulled out of the Brett Hull sweepstakes and instead signed veteran free-agent center Doug Gilmour to a multiyear contract.

The Blackhawks would not disclose contract terms, but the Chicago Sun-Times and WMAQ-AM quoted team sources saying Gilmour agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million.Hull signed a three-year, $17.5 million contract with the Dallas Stars on Friday, hours after his agent was told Hull was out of the picture in Chicago. Hull's contract does include a one-year option that would make it worth more.

"It was not possible for us to (sign both Gilmour and Hull)," Black-hawks general manager Bob Murray said. "I've got a couple of other things I want to get done. We took the guy who's going to help the hockey team the most."

The Blackhawks also announced the signing of 6-foot-3, 212-pound free-agent center Mark Janssens to a multiyear deal Friday. Terms weren't disclosed by the club.

Gilmour, 35, has averaged 25 goals per season over his 15-year NHL career. He has 381 goals and 795 assists in 1,125 games with St. Louis, Calgary, Toronto and New Jersey.

Gilmour had 13 goals and 40 assists in 63 games with the Devils last season.

Janssens is an 11-year veteran. He had five goals and seven assists in 74 games with Anaheim, the New York Islanders and Phoenix last season. His best season was in 1992-93, when he had 12 goals and 17 assists for the Hartford Whalers.

Hull's agent, Mike Barnett, insisted Thursday that Chicago remained Hull's first choice. But he said he was informed Thursday night by the Blackhawks that Hull was out of their plans.

Hull, who turns 34 on Aug. 9, made $4.7 million with the St. Louis Blues last season. He had 27 goals and 45 assists in 66 games.