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The Blackhawks failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2008 after winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
"You know they've been successful in the past and they're trying to make some minor, key changes to the lower part of the lineup," Kunitz said. "It's something I dealt with when I went to Tampa and learned the game from a different angle, being someone who can move up and down the lineup if guys are hurt. It's intriguing on my side of it. But looking from experience side you can go out and help your team at any moment."
The 38-year-old forward had 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 82 regular-season games with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. He had one assist in 17 playoff games.
Kunitz signed a one-year contract with the Lightning on July 1, 2017, after playing nine seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he won the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017).
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Anaheim Ducks on April 1, 2003, Kunitz has 609 points (263 goals, 346 assists) in 966 NHL games with the Lightning, Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers and Ducks. He has 93 points (27 goals, 66 assists) in 178 playoff games.
Kunitz also won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007.
"We have some great players on our team who have won multiple Cups," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "[Chris] gives us another voice on how to play the right way and guide young players in taking next step in their careers. He was used primarily as checker last year but still scored 13 goals. He did move up throughout the season and played on more offensive lines as well. It's probably too early to tell what line he's on but he brings a lot of intangibles to the game."
The Blackhawks also agreed to terms with goalie Cam Ward on a one-year contract and defenseman Brandon Manning on a two-year contract.
