"While the Blackhawks were negotiating with restricted free agent Chris Campoli this summer, observing from a distance was fellow defenseman Sami Lepisto.

The Blue Jackets had decided not to extend a qualifying offer to Lepisto, making him available on the open market.

"I had a couple of offers right at the beginning and I was thinking about it," Lepisto said Sunday at training camp. "Then I heard Chicago might be interested, so I decided to hold on. I had a feeling if they couldn't get it done with Campoli (I'd sign there).""