Hawks' Versteeg, Nordstrom to Carolina, Kruger Back

The Chicago Blackhawks today traded Kris Versteeg, Joakim Nordstrom, and a third-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft to the Carolina Hurricanes for defensemen Dennis Robertson and Jake Massie along with a fifth-round selection in the 2017 NHL Draft.  The Blackhawks have been desperately trying to dump salary since the season ended and this was obviously another case of it.  Shortly afterwards, Marcus Kruger was re-signed to a one-year deal.

Versteeg, 239, finished his second tour of duty with the Blackhawks lasting 2 years while collecting 64 points (24G, 39A) in 124 games.  Part of the 2010 Stanley Cup champs, Versteeg collected his second Stanley Cup in 2015.  Over his career with the Blackhawks, Versteeg had 156 points (68G, 88A) over 294 games.



Joakim Nordstrom, 23, originally a third-round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft (90th overall), spent parts of the last two years with the Blackhawks having 6 points (1G, 5A) over 54 games.  Nordstrom was mostly used as a penalty killer while playing on the 4th line.

Robertson, 24, originally a sixth round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, in 2011, 173rd overall, played his first full season with Carolina's AHL affiliate, the Carolina Checkers, where he tallied 3 goals, 14 assists, and 70 PIMs over 57 games.  In his four years at Brown University, Robertson attained 70 points (17G, 53A).



Massie, 18, was Carolina's sixth round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Marcus Kruger and the Blackhawks had an understanding and a trust to get a deal done.  They did.  It took all but nine days prior to training camp opening, but Kruger showed as much patience as one can in order to come back with the Blackhawks.  Kruger is one of the best penalty killing forwards in the game.  He undoubtedly had calls from other teams, but decided to come back.  Originally there were talks of a long-term deal, but hopefully that can get done next year.

OH!  One more thing!  A warning to ALL current and future Blackhawks, if you decide to attempt your singing career during a Stanley Cup Celebration rally, you are most likely going to find yourself traded before the upcoming season.  lol  Versteeg, TWICE now, and Nordstrom.  LOL!

25 DAYS TILL OPENING NIGHT!!!

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!