Nunavut’s Jordin Tootoo heads to Chicago

Tootoo leaves New Jersey after two seasons with the Devils, where he scored four goals and totalled nine points in 2015-26. (FILE PHOTO)

Nunavut’s favourite hockey player will be wearing new colours this fall.

National Hockey League forward Jordin Tootoo has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team announced July 5, for a reported value of $750,000.

Tootoo just finished his second season with the New Jersey Devils where the 33-year-old scored four goals and totalled nine points in 66 games during the 2015-16.

The move will be Tootoo’s fourth in his 12-year career with the NHL which began with the Nashville Predators in 2001 and included a two-year stint with the Detroit Red Wings from 2012-2014.

But even a territory passionate about hockey has had little trouble switching allegiance to follow the NHL’s only Inuk player.

On July 5, Tootoo’s hometown of Rankin Inlet cheered the forward’s move and new hometown team.

“The community of Rankin Inlet and Nunavut are extremely proud [and] look forward to an exciting season of watching our lone NHL star,” said David Ningeongan, president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, in a July 5 release.

“I wish you the best of luck this season and express deep pride in your continued accomplishments.”

The 2016-17 season with the Blackhawks brings high hopes for playoff action; Chicago remains a strong contender for the Stanley Cup after wins in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Tootoo welcomed the new contract in a July 5 post on Twitter: “Looking forward to the #MadHouse!” – referring to the Madhouse on Madison, the nickname of the Blackhawks home ice, the United Centre, located on Chicago’s Madison Avenue West.

Looking forward to the #MadHouse !! pic.twitter.com/5IdHTlw55I

— Jordin Tootoo (@Jtootoo22) July 5, 2016