Chicago Blackhawks: Five Best Trades in Recent History

3.  Cam Barker to the Minnesota Wild for Kim Johnsson and Nick Leddy

Cam Barker was a highly-touted blueline prospect for the Hawks that never really figured the game out at the NHL level.  In March of 2010, the Hawks were surging but needed blueline depth, so they dealt Barker to the Minnesota Wild for veteran defenseman Kim Johnsson and throw-in defenseman prospect, Nick Leddy.

Johnsson would only play 8 games for the Hawks and would have to retire due to concussion issues.  Leddy, however, would turn into the steal of the deal.

Leddy would debut with the Hawks in 2010-2011 at age 19 and would eventually develop into a dangerous offensive-minded defenseman that possessed incredible puck-patience.  He would be a big part of the 2013 Stanley Cup championship and eventually be a cap casualty following the next season.

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Now, Leddy is a vital part of the future of the New York Islanders, as he has inked a big contract extension.

Barker three more disappointing seasons in the NHL and hasn’t been in the league since the 2013 season, when he was a member of the Vancouver Canucks.

The Hawks easily got the better of this deal, although not exactly in the way that was expected.

Next: Which Trade Is #2?

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