Blockbuster Deal in Chi-Town

The Chicago Blackhawks pulled off a huge deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning this afternoon. It was well known around the league that the Hawks were looking to move a defenceman, no one however expected that player to be Kris Letang. The talented defenceman was sent to Tampa in exchange for center Sean Couturier and defencemen Michael Stone and Derek Forbort. 

The key to the deal was clearly Sean Couturier, a blossoming two way center with huge upside. A big framed tremendous 200 foot player he certainly fits the profile the Hawks have down the middle with Eric Staal, Jeff Carter and Ryan Johansen. If he can unlock his offensive upside he can be among the elite forwards in the league.

While Couturier was the prize in the deal, the other two pieces are by no means throw-ins. Michael Stone, brother of Hawks prospect Mark, is a rapidly improving blueliner with offensive upside. Forbort, while not yet living up to his draft promise, still has huge upside as a 6'5 blueliner with excellent mobility. 

The other aspect to the deal was the financial flexibility is gives Chicago going forward. While well under the cap this season the Hawks have several key free agents to sign this offseason most prominently defenceman Duncan Keith and Kevin Shattenkirk. Gaining two players who will contribute this year and next on entry level deals (Stone and Couturier) is a huge plus for the Hawks.