BLOG: Manning on why he chose Chicago
The defenseman talks about why he chose to sign a deal with Chicago in free agency
by Chris Wescott / chicagoblackhawks.com
Brandon Manning agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on the opening day of the free agency signing period.
The defenseman had other options, but after speaking with the club's brass, Manning knew what he had to do.
"I think early on when (free agency) opened up we had a conversation with Nashville," Manning said. "I had a pretty good relationship with (Peter) Laviolette and Kevin McCarthy there who were my first couple of coaches in Philadelphia. Chicago reached out right at the end of the week and I had a conversation with Mr. (Joel) Quenneville and (Stan) Bowman over the last couple of days, which probably put me over the top in thinking about Chicago and the opportunity there with just how great of an organization it is.
Video: Brandon Manning on decision to sign with CHI
"When it came down to it, there were a couple of other teams kicking tires and we heard things out. I appreciate Chicago for giving us the time to hear about those things, but I think once I had the conversation with those guys, I really considered Chicago seriously and it was a no-brainer for me."
Manning says coming from Philadelphia, he wanted to join another organization with rich history and a great fan base. He got what he wanted with Chicago.
"I think some things come into value more than others," he said. "Coming from a great sports city in Philadelphia and a great organization to pretty much the same thing in Chicago with the sports teams and the success they've had there, I think that was a big factor as well as their recent success. The leadership group they have here, the coaching staff and their reputation. At the end of the day, that definitely had a big factor in choosing Chicago."