The Blackhawks may have just made what could be their most significant move of the entire offseason by signing Czech Republic defenseman Michal Kempny to a deal Monday.



Kempny and the Blackhawks were said to be “very close” to a deal, according to a league source earlier on Monday. ESPN’s Craig Custance confirmed Monday afternoon the deal had been completed. Kempny played in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League last season.



Kempny, a 25-year-old left-handed defenseman, fills a major need at the back end for the Blackhawks. They lacked quality left-handed defensemen last season. He is also solid enough in all zones to step into a top-four defenseman role and alleviate some of the pressure put on Trevor van Riemsdyk this past season.



Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said recently he was hopeful to sign Kempny and praised his all-around game.



“He’s a mobile defenseman,” Bowman said at the IIHF World...