Blackhawks sign Nichol, re-sign Thornton

CHICAGO, July 1 (UPI) -- The Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday signed free-agent center Scott Nichol, who spent the last two seasons with the Calgary Flames.

Nichol, 28, was among the league leaders in faceoff percentage last season and totaled five goals, five assists and 149 penalty minutes in 68 games.

Nichols broke into the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres in 1995-96 and has 13 goals, 14 assists and 270 penalty minutes in 133 games.

The Blackhawks also re-signed left wing Shawn Thornton, who had a goal, an assist and 41 penalty minutes in 13 games last season, but spent most of the campaign with Norfolk of the American Hockey League.