The 2012 NHL trade deadline didn't produce any blockbusters that would clearly put the Chicago Blackhawks back into Stanley Cup contention, but GM Stan Bowman did make two peripheral deals that could help but certainly aren't getting much buzz. He dealt John Scott in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick from the New York Rangers, and acquired Johnny Oduya for a second round and third round pick in the 2013 NHL draft.
Oduya has a $3.5 million salary cap figure this season, but will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, which makes the move a bit risky. He has referred to himself as a stay-at-home defenseman that can help with penalty killing, so he should help to fill a defensive void for the Blackhawks as they try to claim a spot in the postseason. SB Nation's Blackhawks blog, Second City Hockey, has a measured reaction to the moves, but it's safe to say Bowman didn't pull off any great deals before the deadline:
Whatever you think of John Scott, there's no way around the argument that his four minutes per night drove everyone else's time up. Whatever Oduya will be, I know he can be out there for a 15 minutes a night at least. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if Bowman envisions a scenario that takes Keith off the power play and let Oduya on the 2nd, because Keith needs the break and what's he really providing on the PP anyway?
No, it's not the massive change we were all hoping for. But I don't think it was Stan waving the white flag on the season either. I know a lot of people declared the Hawks season over last night, and though I understood the rage I think that's harsh. Yeah, the trap door is approaching fast in the rear view, but it's still in the Hawks hands. They need to turn around quick, they need Toews back, but it isn't last year. Yet.
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