"The Blackhawks went with experience over potential when they settled on veteran Ray Emery over rookie Alexander Salak for their backup goaltender spot.

The 29-year-old Emery claimed the job behind starter Corey Crawford on Monday, signing a one-year contract worth a reported $600,000. The deal put an end to the most heated roster battle of training camp, one in which Salak, 24, outperformed Emery but still ended up being sent to Rockford of the American Hockey League.

"We're in the fortunate position to have to make a difficult decision on two netminders that impressed throughout our entire training camp," general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "Having both Ray Emery and Alexander Salak as a part of the Chicago Blackhawks organization makes us stronger in both the short-term and long-term.""