Hawks Continue Shakeup With Two Major Deals

After mixing things up earlier in the week with a blockbuster deal that had the Hawks add Tuukka Rask, the organization was busy again on the trade front. The shakeup started with the team dealing disgruntled winger Martin Havlat to the Calgary Flames. In return for the supremely talented Havlat the Hawks recieved winger Martin Erat and defenceman Stephen Johns.

"It is always tough to deal a player of Martin's calibre, however it had become evident that he was no longer a fit on our team, we feel we have added a very serviceable replacement in Martin Erat, as well as a promising prospect in Johns." said GM Semonick in an explanation of the surprising move.

Erat is a slick winger who should fit nicely into the Hawks impressive lineup. Like Havlat he is a free agent at seasons end and it remains to be seen if he will fit into the teams long term plans. Despite dealing two of their top-9 forwards the Hawks are still well stocked with prospects Jordan Eberle and Logan Couture seemingly ready to contribute. Stephen Johns brings the Hawks another promising prospect to their already loaded system. The hulking d-man is enjoying a fine fresman season at Notre Dame amassing 8 points to go along with 76 penalty minutes in 26 games. At 6'4 and already weighing 220+ pounds he certainly has the size for the position, and with the Blackhawks depth they can certainly afford him the time to develop, he projects as a potential shutdown defender at the highest level.

The wheeling and dealing didn't stop with Havlat. Shortly after sending him packing, the team sent winger Rene Bourque to Phoenix in exchange for Jack Skille and Kevin Porter. Despite being a strong cup contender, based on this deal Chicago clearly also has an eye on the future.

"Here in Chicago our aim is not to win just one championship, we want to be the New England Patriots of the MRFHL. Our players knuckles will be dragging from the weight of their rings."

Rene Bourque was an important piece for the Hawks, but his free agent status, and lack of progress in talks made him an expiring asset. In Skille and Porter the Hawks add two affordable and serviceable players who should contribute for several seasons. Skille's game is styled in much the same way as the departing Bourque. A big winger with great wheels who is tenacious on the forecheck, Skille has a very high ceiling.

In addition to Skille the Hawks were very pleased to return Kevin Porter to the fold (Porter was originally drafted by Chicago). Porter brings a little bit of everything to the table. He has offensive ability, but is also very reliable in his own end and plays a gritty game. His versatility will make him invaluable to the team going forward.

It remains to be seen whether GM Semonick is done on the trade front. The moves give Hawks players notice that if they want to stay with the glorious franchise they need to perform.