Hawks, Capitals hook up in prospect exchange

After an uncharacteristically quiet season on the trade front Hawks GM Todd Semonick hooked up with Washington Capitals management in a swap of prospects. The Hawks sent winger Sergei Shirokov, along with a 2nd round pick to the Capitals in exchange for defenceman Alexander Urbom and a 4th rounder. Despite giving up an emerging young winger and a high pick, GM Semonick was very confident in the return he recieved in this deal.

"Alexander is a tower of strength along the blueline. He very much reminds us of Alex Edler in his junior days, and we see him developing along the same curve going forward. He has that rare combination of size and mobility that teams crave on the back end."

Urbom is putting together an impressive season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. In 60 games the 18 year old has put up 12 goals and 33 points to compliment a +37 rating. The 6'4 216 pound defenceman has also displayed a nice physical edge in the rough and tumble WHL.

Urbom joins a loaded Hawks blueline that includes Duncan Keith, Jay Bouwmeester, Robyn Regehr, Braydon Coburn, Alexander Edler, Dan Girardi,  Jack Johnson, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Nicklas Grossman, Victor Hedman, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Colby Robak.

It is expected the Hawks will utilize some of their unparalleled depth to bolster their wings.