The Chicago Blackhawks have gotten some salary cap relief for next season by trading defenseman Cam Barker to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Kim Johnsson and prospect Nick Leddy.
Johnsson has a cap number of $4.85 million ($5.3 salary) this season, but is a UFA at seasons end. Barker is $3.083 cap hit until 2011-12.
Leddy was a 2009 1st round pick by the Wild, drafted 16th overall. According to Michael Russo, the Wild were concerned with his developement this year.
The Blackhawks cap number for next year is now in the $57-58 million range.
#1 by Mike at February 14th, 2010
Good trade for both teams. Hawks get multi-role defenseman who can and will play more time than Barker thus providing some leg relief that will now be given to Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Hawks pick up some cap relief moving forward, but unless the league stays the course to the rumored increase in team cap allotment for next season, can the Hawks resign Johnsson for the same value as that of Barker? If Leddy turns out to be the prospect he has been projected to be, this will undoubtedly make the Hawks an extremely talented group and will necessitate more player movement – a very high class problem. The Wild get a very gritty, D-man in Barker with a do anything I have to do attitude. Exactly the type of character you want on the ice and in the lockeroom. Both teams get better right away with the Hawks gambline a little more towards the future.