The Chicago Blackhawks have traded forwards Kris Versteeg, Joakim Nordstrom and a 2017 third-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defensemen Dennis Robertson, Jake Massie and a fifth-round pick in 2017.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: And with that move, the Chicago Blackhawks have freed up sufficient salary-cap space to re-sign restricted free agent center Marcus Kruger.
The Hurricanes add the Blackhawks’ share of Versteeg’s salary for 2015-16 ($2.2 million, with the other half carried by the Florida Panthers) and Nordstrom’s $605K at the NHL level (he’s on a one-year, two-way deal). Robertson is on a one-year, two-way deal worth $575K at the NHL level and is likely headed to the ‘Hawks minor-league affiliate, while Massie is a prospect who’s not yet under contract.
For the Hurricanes, this deals provides them with two experienced players to bolster their forward depth. Versteeg’s struggled to regain his offensive form following a serious knee injury in 2013. Perhaps a move to a club where he could receive more playing time will help him. Nordstrom, 23, is a versatile two-way forward who appeared in 54 NHL games with the Blackhawks over the past two seasons.
**UPDATE** The Chicago Blackhawks re-signed Marcus Kruger to a one-year deal.
Just what the Hawks needed to resign Kruger.
Kruger signed to one year deal.
And the naysayers said no one would take him ( Versteeg )……..
I was one of them. Players like glencross and boyes available at nothing but cash. Obviously the third round pick and Nordstrom play a big part in the trade.
I’d say Versteeg and the third were almost bonuses in this deal the price the Canes paid was good for a young player with Nordstrom upside… nice deal for the Canes…gets them some potential scoring they lacked last year.
Oh come on Guru.. They gave up a prospect and a pick to get rid of his salary.
The Hawks gave up a pick and a pretty good young 2 way player to get rid of not much salary mind you the difference between a 3rd round and a 5th round isnt much…still a nice pick up for Carolina and gives Bowman enough wiggle room to dodge another bullet…hes pretty good at that.