Blackhawks release Cam Barker

Defenseman Cam Barker wasn't a Chicago Blackhawk again for long. 

The 28-year-old, a former first-round pick, third overall by Chicago in 2004, was relased Friday night, the club announced. 

Barker spent last season in the KHL. He last played in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks in 2012-13, registering two assists in 14 games. He has 21 goals and 75 assists in 310 career games. 

It all came together for Barker in 2008-09, when he scored six goals and added 34 assists in 68 games on the Chicago blue line. The season was an aberration statistically - it's the only one in his career he totaled more than 20 points. 

You can't go home again, is what we're saying.