CHICAGO - Daniel Carcillo is ready to stir it up in Chicago.
The Blackhawks signed Carcillo, one of the NHL's best-known agitators, to a one-year $775,000 free-agent contract July 1. The 26-year-old forward was introduced to media Monday, along with fellow free-agent acquisition Andrew Brunette, formerly of the Wild.
After winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, the Blackhawks often lacked assertiveness and fire last season, limping into the playoffs on the last day of the season.
"I think the team lost some of their grit," said Carcillo, who will miss the first two games this season after confronting officials during the playoffs with the Philadelphia Flyers.
"The way I play, it's tough to stay out of the principal's office. I'm going to miss a few games every year," he said. "But I know what to do and what not to do. I know when to fight and I know when not to fight. I can sense when guys need a pick-me-up with a hit or to turn the energy in a game."
Carcillo, who played for Philadelphia in the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals against Chicago, already is considering tactics for Vancouver, the Blackhawks' most bitter rival. The Canucks eliminated Chicago in a seven-game opening-round playoff series last April.
"I watched that series," Carcillo said. "I'm actually pretty excited to play them because there are a few guys who played a little bit outside of their shoes. I think I can keep most of those guys in check when we play them this year."
Carcillo, Jamal Mayers and Steve Montador -- a solid defenseman -- all are expected to add toughness to keep opponents off-balance.
