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The first blockbuster trade of the NHL offseason has been completed. The Chicago Blackhawks will send LW Brandon Saad and two prospects to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and will receive forwards Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Corey Tropp, and Jeremy Morin.
Saad was a key component of Chicago’s 2015 championship season, scoring 23 goals while assisting on 29. He also added 8 playoff goals en route to winning his 2nd Stanley Cup title with the Blackhawks. The 22-year-old wonderkid looked to be a part of Chicago’s long-term plans, but the Blackhawks were unable to offer him a deal that worked for both sides. Rather than allowing him to become a free agent in July, they decided to trade him away for 4 solid forwards in an attempt to clear cap space and add depth to the attacking aspect of their roster. The Blue Jackets will also receive two 22-year-old prospects, Alex Broadhurst and Michael Paliotta.
In return, Chicago will be getting 27-year-old center Artem Anisimov, who recorded a 7-20-27 stat line in 52 games last season, and promising 20-year old center Marko Dano, who scored 8 goals while assisting on 13 in just 35 games. They will also get young forwards Jeremy Morin and Corey Tropp, who will add depth but otherwise likely won’t make much of an impact in Chicago. A fourth-round pick will also be sent to the Blackhawks.
Columbus missed out on the playoffs by 9 points last season, and Saad’s speed and marvelous attacking capabilities should help the Blue Jackets become a contender. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks will be adding depth and clearing cap space that could allow the defending champions to make a splash in this summer’s NHL free agency.