The Blackhawks and Arizona Coyotes announced a trade late Sunday evening, which caught a lot of fans by surprise. Not only the timing of the transaction but the names involved.
Heading to Arizona is former Blackhawks 20th overall pick in 2014, Nick Schmaltz. Schmaltz was having a terrible season following what was thought to have been his breakout season in 2017-18. He had not scored a goal in eight games, and scored just one in his last 15 games. Schmaltz also saw his role go from fixture at second line center to third line wing. Apparently the Blackhawks organization was tired of waiting for him to become more consistent and mature.
Heading back to Chicago is 21-year-old former 3rd overall pick in the 2015 draft, Dylan Strome, and 22-year-old former 14th overall pick in the 2014 draft wing Brendan Perlini. Strome has recorded six points (3G, 3A) with Arizona so far this season, while Perlini registered six points (2G, 4A) in 22 games this season with the Coyotes.
In acquiring Strome and Perlini, the Blackhawks are off the hook for the sticky contract negotiations that will have to take place this summer with the disappointing Schmaltz, as he will be an RFA on July 1. Strome is signed through the end of next season, while Perlini becomes an RFA this coming summer.