EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Left wing Bobby Hull, a star in Chicago for more than a decade, will return to the Chicago Black Hawks on June 6, according to General Manager John Ferguson of the World Hockey Association's Winnipeg Jets.
Other Players Involved
Ferguson said Hull, who left the Black Hawks to sign a big-money contract with the Jets before the WHA's first season in 1972-73, “will go back to Chicago for future considerations … players.”
Ferguson, here to watch his Jets and the Edmonton Oilers play for the last WHA title, told a news conference that cash might also be involved in the deal.
He declined to say which Chicago players might be involved.
$750,000 Price Tag
Months ago, Ferguson said he would want either $750,000 or players worth that much in return for Hull. The general manager added that Hull has spoken with Chicago management and likely to talk with team officials and make an announcement.
Hull, who retired at the start of this season, has said he will only play hockey again in Chicago.
Expansion Draft June 12
The NHL expansion draft, which will stock the rosters of the four World Hockey Association teams joining the NHL, takes place June 12. The return of Hull to the Hawks means the Jets do not have to protect him in the expansion draft.
WHA teams entering the NHL will be allowed to protect only two skaters and two goalies in that draft. NHL teams, meanwhile, will protect 15 skaters and two goalies.
The Black Hawks do not have to make Hull one of their protected players because terms of the expansion draft make the Jets the only WHA team which could claim him.
Crowds Are Smaller
Ferguson said Chicago's situation “is that they're very concerned that they had some inferior crowds in Chicago, and with Bobby Hull's charisma and his ability to they feel that it will their crowds immensely-“
“Our situation is that Bobby Hull wants to play in Chicago. He made it publicly known that he would play again only in Chicago.
“We … felt that it was right that to totally give him up we have to get something back. I'm sure that we will be coming to an agreement on those future considerations.”