The Blackhawks finally jumped into the trade deadline frenzy just under an hour before the timer reached zero by trading defenseman Erik Gustafsson to the Calgary Flames.
Gustafsson was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (93rd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed by the Blackhawks as a free agent in 2015 after his draft rights expired and he was not able to come to terms with Edmonton. He played 41 with the team in 2015–16 and 35 games in 2016–17, but his big break was last season when he 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 79 games with Chicago. His numbers have significantly dropped off this season and he will become an unrestricted free agent following this season. It was unlikely that the Blackhawks would make a significant offer to keep him.
In return, the Blackhawks acquired a third-round draft pick. More detailed info to come.
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