Chelios, 56,
left a similar role with the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday
because he wanted to be closer to his family in Chicago.
"To be able to join the Blackhawks organization in this role means everything to me," Chelios said. "I'm very thankful to (chairman) Rocky Wirtz and (president and CEO) John McDonough for this opportunity to return to the Blackhawks. Chicago is my hometown, and returning to this organization is very special to me and my family."
Chelios, who was born in Chicago, played nine seasons with the Blackhawks (1990-99). He won the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL in 1993 and 1996, was Blackhawks captain from 1995-99, and helped Chicago reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1992. His 487 points (92 goals, 385 assists) are fourth among defensemen in Blackhawks history.
Chelios played 26 seasons in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers, and his 1,651 games are the most by a defenseman and sixth all-time. He won the Stanley Cup three times (1986, 2002, 2008) and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
"We are excited to welcome Chris back to the Blackhawks family," McDonough said. "His outstanding Blackhawks career and his passion for the game will complement the work that our current ambassadors carry out to represent the organization."
Chelios joins Tony Esposito, Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Denis Savard as a Blackhawks ambassador. Chelios will be formally introduced at the Blackhawks Convention, which is July 27-29.
