CHICAGO, Ill. — In a blockbuster trade that was approved by the NHL at around midnight, the Chicago Blackhawks worked out a deal that sent fan favorite Dustin Byfuglien, restricted free agent Ben Eager, defenseman Brent Sopel and Akim Aliu to the Atlanta Thrashers for the 24th and 54th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft along with veteran forward Marty Reasoner, winger Joey Crabb (who has honed his skills with the Chicago Wolves, Atlanta’s AHL affiliate) and up and coming prospect Jeremy Morin.
The Blackhawks are burdened with salary cap issues and have no way of keeping the full 2010 Stanley Cup Champions together. With the deal the team frees up at least $5.3million that will be used to sign a few of their free agent especially goaltender Antti Niemi who lead them through the playoffs.
Atlanta is slowly turning into Chicago Blackhawks South. First Rick Dudley left the organization when he was hired as the General Manager with Don Waddell moving to a Presidency role. Also there is a report off the NHL website that has Craig Ramsey being named as the Thrashers Head Coach with John Torchetti being named the associate coach. Right after winning the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks organization gave Atlanta permission to talk to Torchetti regarding the head coaching position.
With the trade, the Chicago Blackhawks are pretty deep at the center and right wing position. Center is especially strong with Jonathan Toews and Reasoner set as leading the top two lines and paired at right wing with Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa with Crabb possible getting a look down the line and Morin a year or so away.
So with that, the Chicago Blackhawks are proud to select, left wing Quinton Howden of Moose Jaw of the Western Hockey League.
Howden is a great two-way forward that can fit into Head Coach Joel Quenneville’s type of system. He was used primarily in the checking line role in a few tournaments but has flourished as and offensive forward as a Toews type player who can play the zones and scores when the opportunity arises.
Contact matt.chin@prohockeynews.com
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