What Can Andrew Desjardins Bring To The Chicago Blackhawks?

Jan 5, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; San Jose Sharks center Andrew Desjardins (10) moves the puck against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Leddy (8) during the third period at the United Center. The San Jose Sharks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

This year before the trade deadline was over Stan Bowman went out and did several things he usually does not do. First of all, not only did he make 3 separate trades, he also made a very surprising (but wise) move in the final hours of the countdown. This move brought 28 year old Andrew Desjardins to the Chicago Blackhawks while Stan Bowman sent 26 year old Ben Smith and a conditional 7th round pick to the San Jose Sharks. By doing this, not only did Stan Bowman bring a more physical player to the team but he also shaved some money off the books in preparation for the larger cap hit that the Chicago Blackhawks will be dealing with next year with the new salaries of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Bowan also made a good move in the trade by negotiating that San Jose retain half of Desjardins remaining salary which allows cap room for the Blackhawks to keep Teuvo Teravainen on the active roster. In an effort to get to know Andrew Desjardins I would like to take a look at what assets he can bring to the team.

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Andrew Desjardins was signed as a free agent in 2010 by the Sharks and currently has 4 seasons under his belt in the NHL. During his career he played in 272 games while scoring 15 goals and 33 assists while primarily playing on the 4th line as Ben Smith did. He also has added 248 PIM so far in his career and definitely brings physicality into his style of play. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 195 Andrew Desjardins brings grit to his game with a lot of energy and that will be a great addition to the Chicago Blackhawks forecheck. Before he left San Jose he had accumulated 96 hits and six fighting majors (team leader) in 56 games.

In addition to the physicality asset he brings as a forward he also is very versatile in his position. He previously has played all three positions and can handle himself in the dot. When taking faceoffs he has put up a percentage of 53.48, so if need be he can also serve as a specialist. They may even look to use him in a limited roll on the penalty kill as he was used in the past to fill the void of Ben Smith.

The Chicago Blackhawks next game is Friday night against the Edmonton Oilers but it does not look like Andrew Desjardins will get his Blackhawks debut since Chicago’s lines were clicking the past couple games. He will probably give him a shot in a couple games though once he gets a few practices in with the team and builds a little chemistry. Hope he does well!

What are your thoughts on the trade good or bad? What do you think Andrew Desjardins brings to this team? Let me know what you think in the comments section below!

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