New Blackhawk Zhamnov Ends Holdout

Alexei Zhamnov practiced with the Chicago Blackhawks after ending his holdout by signing a five-year, $15-million contract.

The 26-year-old center, obtained as part of the Aug. 16 trade with the Phoenix Coyotes for Jeremy Roenick, skated at the United Center and then held a news conference where he said he was glad his holdout is over.

“I just want to play hockey,” the 6-foot-1 Russian said.

Zhamnov said he would play Sunday night against the Kings but conceded it will take longer than that for him to get back to his old form.

“I don’t want to say right now I’m 100%,” he said. “I hope like in a week I’ll feel 100%.”

Zhamnov, a restricted free agent, had been seeking $4.5 million a year.

Zhamnov has scored 103 goals over four seasons and was the NHL’s third-leading scorer in 1994-95 with 30 goals and 35 assists.

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The Dallas Stars signed free agent right wing Sergei Makarov to a one-year contract, the team announced. Makarov, 38, has played six seasons in the NHL, four with Calgary and the last two with San Jose.

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Defenseman Jeff Brown of the Hartford Whalers, a 12-year veteran, is out indefinitely because of a lower back injury suffered in the season opener against Phoenix. Brown was put on the injured list earlier this week.