The Chicago Blackhawks Have Been Piecing Their Team Together to Maximum Potential. The Hawks Picked Up Johnny Oduya at This Trade Deadline and He Will be a Big Team Boost.
The Oduya Trade
Before the deadline, the Blackhawks traded for former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (via Chicago Sun-Times). Oduya left in 2015 after the Blackhawks traded Patrick Sharp to the Stars, and Oduya followed in free agency. This move follows the Blackhawks trade for Tomas Jurco.
The Blackhawks traded for Oduya partially because of an injury to defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (via Fox Sports). The move also shows that the Blackhawks are readying for a tougher Western Conference and Central Division. The division has added Martin Hanzal while the conference has added Ben Bishop.
Why Bowman Won
Stan Bowman’s return for Oduya is what makes this trade special for the Blackhawks. All the Blackhawks gave up was Mark McNeill, who couldn’t crack the team, and a conditional third round pick. The conditions of that pick? The Blackhawks have to make it to the Western Conference finals (via SB Nation). If not, the Blackhawks only give up a fourth.
More from Chicago Blackhawks
- There is only one right move for the Chicago Blackhawks captaincy
- Looking back at the Blackhawks’ trades involving Andrew Ladd
- Blackhawks fans might not like where Patrick Kane could potential sign
- Connor Bedard makes the Blackhawks a national broadcast favorite
- This city needs a PWHL franchise as soon as possible
Which leads me to believe that Bowman believes this team can make it to the Western Conference finals. After the recent win against the Wild, why not? It also leads me to believe that Jim Nill, last year a GM of the Year finalist, believes the same thing. That’s two strong people who believe that the Blackhawks have the potential to be one of the year’s four best teams.
The return for Oduya showcases why Bowman is one of the best GMs in the league. Oduya is a talented defenseman, one who is averaging 18 minutes a night. Oduya also gives the Blackhawks depth on defense, and a veteran who has helped the Blackhawks to Cups before – in fact, the Blackhawks haven’t gone back to the Cup since Oduya left.
McNeill is a player who hasn’t become a Blackhawk, while five others have passed him: Nick Schmaltz, Tyler Motte, Ryan Hartman, Vinnie Hinostroza, and Tanner Kero. It’s now unlikely that McNeill will ever crack the team. He was given a chance, with one game played in the NHL, and had 0 points.
The Blackhawks also kept their two biggest picks this year and gave up at most a third round pick. Essentially, they didn’t give their divisional rival anything at a time when teams are overpaying for talent. The Senators may have done just that.
Next: Brendan Smith Good Fit For Rangers
Conclusion
The trade can help both sides. The Blackhawks get key depth on defense in the playoffs and somebody who already has chemistry with the team. The Stars get a young player who might be able to crack their lineup. They also get a mid-round pick, and those can turn out to be good players sometimes.