Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Acquire Vermette from Coyotes in Blockbuster Trade

The Chicago Blackhawks aren't a team that normally makes big splashes in the trade market, but Patrick Kane's injury forced their hand as they acquired center Antoine Vermette from the Arizona Coyotes.

In exchance, the Coyotes will recieve defensive prospect Klas Dahlbeck and Chicago's first round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The trade was first reported by ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

The price is steep for a player who will only be around for a few months, as Vermette is a free agent at season's end, but in Vermette the Blackhawks get a player that can help them in several areas. Their center depth, long a question mark with teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings boasting quality groups up the middle, is bolstered with the deal, allowing Andrew Shaw and Teuvo Teravainen to play on the wing.

In addition, the Blackhawks' penalty kill will get better, as Vermette is an excellent penalty killer and can take some of the pressure off of Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa in that department.

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