The Chicago Blackhawks pulled off their second major trade in as many days by acquiring forward Antoine Vermette from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for defensive prospect Klas Dahlbeck and a 2015 first-round pick, per the Blackhawks’ website.
Vermette was one of the most highly sought after forwards on the trade market. The 32-year-old is capable of contributing both offensively and defensively and by extension logging minutes on the power play and penalty kill. This move also means Chicago has two of the best centers on the draw, including Jonathan Toews. Vermette comes with a $3.75 million annual cap hit, although he’s eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
His presence will help soften the blow dealt to Chicago due to the absence of Patrick Kane (fractured left clavicle). However, if the Blackhawks enjoy a lengthy playoff run, then Chicago might find itself in a position where Kane is back and the team is consequently stronger than it was when this week started.
Dahlbeck, 23, has a goal in four games with Chicago and an additional 10 points in 49 AHL contests this season. He was taken with the 79th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Chicago, which moved Kane to the long-term injured reserve list to free up some cap room, also acquired defenseman Kimmo Timonen from Philadelphia on Friday.
FYI no salary retained in the Chicago-Arizona Vermette trade tonight. Straight up
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 1, 2015