Hawks bolster team for stretch drive.

With his team underperforming on the ice Hawks GM Todd Semonick made deal this afternoon to improve the team for the stretch run. The team sent wingers Brad Boyes and Anthony Stewart, as well as minor league center Trevor Smith to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for winger Jamie Langenbrunner, forward Kris Draper, and prospects Drew Shore and Aaron Palushaj.

Langenbrunner and Draper bring with them a great deal of experience, especially in the playoff department. Combined the two add 6 stanley cup rings and 351 career playoff games to the squad. "These are two proven winners we have added to our club, their influence off the ice will be every bit as important as the significant upgrade they provide us on it" said GM Semonick. Langenbrunner will provide a big boost to the club on the wing, likely slotting in on the 2nd or 3rd line and taking some pressure off young winger Chris Stewart. Draper will slot in a little further down the depth chart, but will be invaluable on the penalty kill, and in the faceoff dot.

The two additions do come at a cost however as the Hawks sent wingers Brad Boyes and Anthony Stewart to the bolts. Boyes is a very talented offensive player, however being a pending free agent it is unlikely the Hawks would have been able to retain his services beyond this year.

In addition to the two veterans, the Hawks also added to quality prospects in the swap. Joining the organization are center Drew Shore, and winger Aaron Palushaj. Shore, a 6'3 pivot out of the University of Denver is enjoying a breakout season playing alongside fellow Hawks prospect Jason Zucker. Shore has 23 goals and 45 points in 38 games to lead one of the nation's best teams. "Drew is a very talented forward with rare skating ability and hands for a player his size. He has the skill set to be a top-6 forward at the NHL level" was the evaluation from the Hawks GM. Palushaj as well is no slouch as he is enjoying a very solid sophmore pro season. A very heady player he has notched 17 goals and 44 points for Hamilton of the AHL. He also boasts a team best +15 rating.

Overall the Hawks should be fairly pleased with the swap having added two veterans to bolster the current roster, as well as 2 prospects to keep the team well stocked for the future. It is believed the Hawks may be pursuing further deals as the deadline approaches.