NHL Trade Rumors: Blackhawks acquire Johnny Oduya from Stars
Johnny Oduya has found his way back to the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Chicago Blackhawks have been looking for some defensive depth after acquiring Tomas Jurco from the Detroit Red Wings. Head coach Joel Quenneville loves his veterans. It should come as a surprise to no one that’s who they targeted: an old friend.
Dallas Stars defenseman Johnny Oduya, who won two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks, is returning to Chicago. Dallas is getting prospect Mark McNeill and a conditional draft pick (most likely a fourth rounder) in return.
Per @Real_ESPNLeBrun, CHI trades Mark McNeill and conditional fourth round pick for Oduya.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 1, 2017
DAL retains 50 per cent of Oduya's salary.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 1, 2017
The draft pick has to do with how far in the playoffs the Hawks make it, according to Bob McKenzie.
If CHI wins two rounds and Oduya plays in 50 per cent or more of CHI games, fourth-round pick becomes a third-round pick to DAL.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 1, 2017
It’s great to see Oduya back in Chicago again. He has proven he’s healthy, so the Blackhawks are wise to bring one of Quenneville’s favorite players back. Oduya already knows most of his system, so that’s an added benefit. Usually, when teams trade for players, they have to get used to a new system. This won’t be the case in Chicago.
McNeill is a 24 year old prospect drafted in the first round of the 2011 NHL Draft. While he has seen just one game in the NHL, he has been solid in the AHL. In 273 career games in the minors, he has 157 points. His path with the Blackhawks was obviously blocked by better centers. However, in Dallas, he should get a solid chance to play.
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The draft pick is a very nice add for someone like Oduya. Dallas gets a return for someone they could have lost for nothing. It’s been a nightmare season for the Stars, but they’ve been nailing the trade deadline so far. This could set them up for a very quick retooling and they could be back to competing as soon as next season.